In the 103 years of Northern Ireland as a state, there have been a number of questionable regimes and legislations put in place, with the sole objective seemingly to bolster the unionist community and remain a pro-British institution. From housing to employment, Catholic nationalists always drew the proverbial short straw. And it wasn’t for the lack of trying. The IRA Border … [Read more...] about New beginnings: another step forward for equality
Society
Our own Galway
Image by William Murphy/flickr Galway is some town to walk through in the fog on an early spring morning. In the low cloud, every old stone building is framed by fog and given an air of mystery and history. But as I crossed the Eglinton Canal by the Cathedral, I was struck by the one lonely building standing guard on the corner; Ward's. A fine establishment, on the go since … [Read more...] about Our own Galway
Has the mask slipped with Elon Musk? Was the ‘salute’ an eccentric moment or a deeper warning?
Image from the Associated Press Slapping his right hand to his chest, biting his lip, and extending his arm diagonally upward, palm facing down. On 20 January 2025, at the second inauguration of Donald Trump, Elon Musk completed this aggressive gesture twice, prompting an eruptive cheer from the crowd. “My heart goes out to you.” Many are focusing on this expression, which … [Read more...] about Has the mask slipped with Elon Musk? Was the ‘salute’ an eccentric moment or a deeper warning?
Overcrowding at University Hospital Galway: My experience
University Hospital Galway. Image from Galway Bay FM Recently I had the misfortune of ending up in the emergency department of the University Hospital Galway. A lot of the time when we hear about hospitals being overcrowded we don’t think too much about it as it seems so far removed from our daily lives. Yet, this simple visit was really eye-opening. It showed me exactly the … [Read more...] about Overcrowding at University Hospital Galway: My experience
Amnesia
Image from Houses of the Oireachtas In The Cure At Troy, Seamus Heaney dreamed of the day when hope and history would rhyme. And as I delved into the archives of student magazines and newspapers in the library last week, I found they did indeed find hope in their yellowing pages; each article adding to the collective tapestry of student life in Galway and although their … [Read more...] about Amnesia