BY DAMIEN EDGAR

A stunning display of attacking football from Germany saw Miroslav Kolse, Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller (2), all find the England net. As stunning as Germany’s attacking array was, it was more shocking how poor England’s defence performed. Time and time again the central pairing of John Terry and Matthew Upson was pulled too far apart, as the Germans pass and move game took glorious effect.

This defensive frailty was perfectly illustrated by Germany’s first goal as a “Hail Mary” ball from Neuer managed to send the England duo into meltdown. Klose, helping the ball into the England net, simultaneously helped the German goalkeeper claim an assist to the goal. Again the defence was pulled all over the pitch for Germany’s second goal, allowing Muller to find Podolski in space, the German hitman smashing the ball through the legs of the advancing David James.

Terry, moved to the right side of central defence to accommodate Upson, seemed out of sorts and Upson himself seemed to be letting his nerves get the better of him, until he rose to thump in a header to make it 2-1 in the 37^th minute.

What followed was arguably the worst decision of the World Cup, a real contender with Kaka’s sending off in the group stages. Following good build up play from England in a rare ten-minute spell of dominance just before half time, Frank Lampard received the ball on the edge of the area. In the sort of position he excels in at club level, Lampard coolly lifted the ball over the despairing hands of Manuel Neuer, glancing the crossbar and finding the back of the German net. However, despite the ball being a clear foot over the line, Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda waved play on, much to the consternation of the England players and managerial team.

The England team emerged after the break with an air of defeatism, the wind clearly taken out of their sails by the disallowed goal. Capello’s words had failed to raise the spirits of the players and the Germans began to assert their authority once more,  with Ozil pulling all the strings.

England did their best to keep the game competitive, but it was no surprise when Germany broke in the 67^th minute, Muller ending a delightful move with a composed drive. England goalkeeper David James’ positioning and handling was, however, suspect for the goal, despite the excellent game he had enjoyed up until that point.

There was nothing David James could do three minutes later however, as England midfielder Gareth Barry’s complete lack of pace and belief was exposed by Mesut Ozil. Beating Barry to a long ball despite his opponent’s ten yard head start, Ozil showed shear composure in coolly outpacing Barry and slotting the ball through Ashley Cole’s legs for the advancing Muller to slot past the fruitless lunge of the England goalkeeper.

The game became a formality after that, with every England player playing for the final whistle, to release them from their misery. What has become apparent as a result of this game is that the so-called “golden generation” of England footballers lacked the big game mentality required to justify their nickname, and that this emerging generation of German talent has a much brighter future ahead of them, even if they should fail to make it past the quarter final stage.

Illustration by Niall Mooney

Trinity Men’s captain, Peter Croke, had set the tone for the race, claiming that TCD “had never approached the University boat race lightly” and this year would be no exception.

A comfortable victory witnessed Queen’s Men pull ahead by five lengths as they approached the finish line at Queen’s University Boat Club. Trinity were expected to cut the lead by three lengths, however they soon lost their seventh oar and the end result was merely a formality. Speaking after the event, QUB’s Nathan Oliver claimed the victory had generated a “fantastic feeling” among the team and attributed Saturday’s success to their hard work over the winter period.

Overall, it was a day of mixed emotions for Queen’s rowers. QUB’s Rowing Novice Women won their contest, while Trinity triumphed in both the Novice Men’s and Senior Women’s events.

Queen’s Senior Men now look forward to competing in the World and European Championships in the coming months. For David Russell of Queen’s Rowing the university is now “a centre of excellence” when it comes to the sport, and “is being chosen by top rowers over the usual Rowing Universities such as Cambridge or Reading”.

 BY GOWN REPORTER

Queen’s Intermediate began with a fine win over Oxford Brookes, producing a one-length lead over their rivals to take the gold medal in a time of 5:58.22. The Champions eight final began shortly after. Finishing just two seconds ahead of second placed Oxford, QUB claimed a gold medal in first position. The women’s intermediate pair and men’s Championship Sculler (Williamson) reached their respective finals.

 The Queens ladies’ Beginner four won the gold medal in their event, comfortably seeing off Cardiff in second place. The men’s Intermediate four continued their good form, claiming gold in their final having beat Imperial College London by two seconds. Light-weights Damian Hannon and Jonathan Mitchell also made it to their final, but suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of the U23 Great Britain internationals of Imperial College London.

 The women’s Intermediate four continued Queen’s University’s fine form, but narrowly finished third in their semi-final. In the end QUB ladies claimed a bronze medal position. A convincing Cambridge took the gold, 6 seconds ahead of the Queen’s ladies.

 The ladies’ Beginner eight confidently defeated Cardiff in the final by a comfortable 6 second margin, taking gold in their first BUCS Championship.

 A promising men’s quad claimed victory over Newcastle and Durham to seal gold. This final contest of the competition ensured Queen’s Rowing left Nottingham with six gold medals, one silver and one bronze in the championship. Queen’s senior men will certainly take great confidence from this landmark occasion to their next event, to be held at the International Wedau-Regatta, Duisburg, Germany on the 14-16 May 2010.

BY JONNY MADILL

God Save the Queen, the National Anthem of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, has been played before every international football match at Windsor Park since Northern Ireland’s birth as a footballing nation in 1920. Throughout the history of the Irish Football Association, debate has often arisen over whether a new Northern Ireland specific anthem would be more suitable. Such debate is as rife today as it has ever been.

At the beginning of March, the Newsletter reported that UUP officer Kenny Donaldson was in favour of finding a new anthem to replace the playing of God Save the Queen before Northern Ireland matches. He proposed that the change would create an added sense of identity to Northern Ireland football and that the new sporting anthem would be more representative of all communities and traditions throughout the province. He used the successes in Scotland and Wales of ‘Flower of Scotland’ and ‘Land of My Fathers’ respectively as an example of why it is time for change to be considered.

In a subsequent television interview with UTV, Irish Football Association President Raymond Kennedy failed to rule out the anthem issue being reconsidered, and hinted that the successful Football for All policy might in the future identify it as an area for the Association to review. His discussion of the possibility of local songwriters coming up with suitable alternatives to which the public could choose their favourite suggested that the IFA are as open to change as they have possibly ever been.

This was followed by the three main Unionist parties expressing their opposition to the idea. DUP MLA Ian Paisley Jnr was quoted in the Newsletter as describing the National Anthem as being “something that we should never concede” and that “unionist unity” should oppose any such attempt. UUP  spokesman on sports and culture David McNarry stated that his party was firmly against any such change, and Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister was reported in the Newsletter as accusing the IFA of “bringing politics into football”.

With an imminent election just around the corner, protecting Unionism is high on the agendas of Paisley, Allister, McNarry and co. But to me, and many others I suspect, they are entirely missing the point.

The credibility of God Save the Queen as the National Anthem of the United Kingdom, to which Northern Ireland is part of, is not under review in this debate; there is no question of that. Nor is Northern Ireland’s constitutional status at stake. What is under discussion is the possibility of a new Northern Ireland-specific sporting anthem for the Northern Ireland football team. The Unionist politicians’ interpretation of Donaldson’s proposal for change as an attempt to sabotage the Union is narrow-minded and ironically makes them guilty of exactly what Jim Allister accused the IFA of -  “bringing politics into football”.

Sinn Fein and the SDLP have been predictably just as eager to offer their political slant on the situation. Their politically-based motives for getting rid of God Save the Queen bear no similarities whatsoever to the purely sporting arguments put forward by Kenny Donaldson. They are therefore completely irrelevant.

Donaldson’s comments contained no political undertones whatsoever. He spoke from his heart as a devout Northern Ireland fan and as a man clearly proud of his Northern Irish identity. Maybe some of our elected MLAs should take a leaf out of this man’s book when it comes to leadership.

The damaging impact of outside interferences goes far beyond narrow-minded political agendas. Media intervention which fails in its attempt to portray the fans’ true opinions is precisely not what is required. In a Newsletter article on 15 March which read, “Fans share almost one voice on team song issue”, it was reported that “the clear majority viewpoint” was that God Save the Queen should continue to be played before international games. It was then claimed in an article in the same newspaper a day later that “a clear majority of Northern Ireland supporters are in favour of a specific sporting anthem being introduced, according to an online poll”.

An accurate reflection of supporters’ views cannot be sought by a few interviews on the street, as appeared to have been the case in the first article, or a glance at a poll on a fans’ forum in which only 300 supporters had so far voted, as was the case in the second Newsletter column. Consensus must be sought in the proper fashion. Support or opposition to a new anthem must come from within, not from insular politicians who want nothing other than to enhance their political agendas as election season looms, or from media organisations trying to stir up a debate.

Therefore the fans’ website ‘Our Wee Country’ should be applauded for recently instigating an online poll as a way of assessing the views of the supporters. In April 2008 an identical poll on the site found that less than 66% of those who voted (5% of the site’s population) were in favour of a new anthem. The current poll will be kept running for a period of a month, at the end of which the results will be compared to two years ago to ascertain whether the level of demand for change amongst the fans has increased. The poll administrator stated that if a larger percentage is in favour of change this time around, and provided that a larger proportion of the membership has voted, then the possibility of a Northern Ireland specific sporting anthem to replace God Save the Queen should be discussed.

With only a few days left of the poll’s duration, 76% of voters are in favour of change, albeit with less than 5% of the population having voted. Whilst the site’s scheme shows initiative in the midst of political ping-pong in the media, it is questionable whether the views of 300-400 supporters are sufficient to form a representative view of the entire fan-base. Therefore the IFA must find a way to ascertain an accurate representation of the views of the 14,000 Northern Ireland fans that enter Windsor Park before every home game and the thousands more who, unable to get their hands on a ticket, watch their team play in the comfort of their own homes or in local pubs throughout the province.

There are many committed supporters who are unable to become part of the block-booking scheme due to Windsor Park’s embarrassingly small capacity, myself being one of them. For those who attend as many games as they can, and travel around the world supporting the team in away fixtures, it would seem that contacting the 13,000 or so members of the block booking scheme might be the most feasible method of gaining a consensus amongst the fans. Working alongside the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs must also be a priority for the Association.

It is suggested that there is an inaccurate perception amongst some that the idea of a new anthem is an attempted erosion of our identity, and that it would result in some sort of victory for one side and defeat for the other. Indeed Unionists reading this might fear that their Britishness might in some way be compromised or diminished by such a drastic change. But as a devout Northern Ireland fan, proud of my British identity, I am most definitely warming to the prospect of having our own anthem. God Save the Queen will always be the National Anthem of the United Kingdom, to which I am a part of. But I am beginning to see how the creation of a specific sporting anthem for Northern Ireland football has the potential to enhance our identity and our culture rather than erode it.

I am proud of my Northern Irish identity, and therefore would be open to the idea of a new anthem that encapsulates the culture, identity and togetherness of Northern Ireland.

Only once the fans’ voices have been heard can this debate reach its conclusion. I cannot think of anything worse than the feeling of widespread opposition to the introduction of a new anthem oozing through the air of south Belfast in the hours leading up to a big game at Windsor Park. The impetus for change must come from the supporters themselves, and the IFA must ensure that no-one is alienated provided they use their initiative and actively seek consensus. There are good reasons on both sides of the argument and every true Northern Ireland fan must have a voice.  No change can come without the consent of the fans.

An undoubted sub-plot to the anthem debate is the argument that a Northern Ireland specific anthem might help to prevent the Darron Gibsons and Shane Duffys of the future from switching their allegiance to the Republic. Whilst the eligibility issue might not be one of the principal reasons for change, it is most certainly an underlying factor. Its timing is certainly convenient to say the least. A new anthem that has the potential to make playing for or supporting Northern Ireland a more inclusive experience for Nationalists would surely represent a positive change in many people’s minds.

It is believed that both the IFA and the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs are awaiting the results of the next Football for All report which is expected to either recommend a new anthem or dismiss the idea of change altogether. We wait with anticipation.

The question of what exactly might replace God Save the Queen is an issue for another day. A shake-up of ‘Danny Boy’ or a new anthem written by a distinguished local songwriter like Phil Coulter are legitimate suggestions, but for now the focus should be on assessing the demand for change amongst Northern Ireland’s footballing community.

Keeping the worlds of politics and football separate is an almost impossible task in any part of the world, let alone our own. But let’s hope that for the sake of our country’s football team and for Northern Ireland as a whole, it is not Stormont but the people who really matter who will be allowed to decide if a new sporting anthem is the way forward. The IFA must seek to ensure that the power remains in the hands of those who matter. Let the football community dictate the next stage of this debate and let’s keep politics out of Windsor Park.

His optimism, however, is questionable considering Northern Ireland’s recent run of bad form.

BY JULIE MCCULLAGH

They have failed to score in their last three matches, their latest result being a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Group C opponents Serbia in November 2009. At club level, Northern Ireland players have been in fine form this season. Jonny Evans has become a regular fixture in the Manchester United back four. While Niall McGinn is on the verge at Celtic, Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird are Fulham regulars. Steven Davis is having the best season of his career with Rangers, and was recently named player of the SPL Player of the Month for January. David Healy’s recent loan move to Ipswich means that he too could soon be back playing first team football. Hopefully Healy can regain the form he displayed in his record-breaking 2008 European Qualifying campaign in time for September

The Republic of Ireland were given a kinder draw than that of Worthington’s men. Their group consists of Russia, Slovakia, FYR Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra; Slovakia being the only team that have qualified for this year’s World Cup. Trapattoni’s men will be looking for a more successful campaign than the World Cup qualifiers following the cruel way in which they were knocked out in the play-offs by France. Slovakia showed their strength in that campaign by finishing ahead of group favourites Poland and the Czech Republic, and will no doubt again prove to be difficult to overcome. Top seeded Russia’s Coach Guus Hiddink, who led them to the semi-finals of the Euros in 2008, announced that he will step down when his contract expires in June. This will give the other teams in Group B a psychological lift going into the qualifiers in September. Captain Robbie Keane’s recent loan to Celtic should see him secure first-team football once again following an indifferent start to the season with Tottenham. If the Republic replicates the form they showed during the World Cup qualifiers they surely stand a great chance of progressing from the group stages.

The football associations in each group have until 9^th March to decide the order of the fixtures.

BY PADDY O’SHEA

After an early weigh in and some rehydration, it was Dwaine Moore(57kg) who was up first against game Trinity boxer Michael Gibbons. Moore, who was making a return to the ring after a break gave the team a scare but ultimately his experience showed through as he won the bout on points.

Next up was Paddy O’Shea (67kg), co-founder of  QUB boxing club, against Martin Hynes of NUIG. A cagey first round left the fight up for grabs going into the second. A big right hand courtesy of the Galway man giving O’Shea a count and left the bout in Hynes’ favour and he got the decision on points.

In his first fight Simon Reid (75kg) had a very tough draw against TCD captain Séan Mulvaney. The experience and awkward south-paw stance of Mulvaney meant it was always going to be an uphill struggle for the Belfast man. The bout was stopped by the referee, in what many thought was a rather premature decision, at the end of the second round. The experience will stand to Reid and we expect great things in the future.

Chris Dunbar (81kg), the highly touted boxer entering the competition was drawn against fellow Belfast man Paddy Gallagher (UCD). In a bout that should have gone Dunbar’s way, a brawl took place which favoured the shorter Gallagher. A highly entertaining bout but unfortunately the UCD man’s hand was lifted at the end.

Brian Spencer (91kg) was crowned Irish Universities Heavy Weight Champion as he received a walk-over title. A special exhibition match was arranged with UCD boxer Robert Collins. Spencer boxed well, his superior fitness showing through. As it was an exhibition it was declared a draw.

Finally in the last match, John Maguire (67kg), co-founder of QUB boxing club, was matched against Spencer Pearson of Trinity. Maguire was giving away 4kg to his opponent but remained unfazed by this. In what was one of the most exciting matches of the day both boxers stood toe to toe for the three rounds. Although Maguire was clearly the fitter man he couldn’t quite land enough clean punches required by judges. As both boxers emerged battered and bruised the TCD man was declared the winner.

Mairéad Collins, QUB’s only girl weighed in but unfortunately could not get a match, but has high hopes for a bout in the near future.

BY DON MCDERMOTT

Fast forward one month and this idea has taken a significant blow. On the 8^th January the football community was rocked by the news that the Togo national team’s bus was subjected to gunfire on their way to Cabinda in the host nation of Angola. Sadly, three of the men travelling on the bus were murdered; the driver, the team’s assistant manager Abalo Amelete, and their media officer Stanislas Ocloo. What makes this all the more tragic is that this is the second major casualty to befall the Togo national team in three years. This follows the death of their Sports Minister Richard Attipoe in the 2007 Paramount Airlines helicopter crash, as he was on his way back from an African Nations Cup qualifier in Sierra Leone. This attack by the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda has led many figures in world football to question just how safe players and fans will be in South Africa during the World Cup finals?

What these people and many other worried observers need to remember is that Africa is a continent, not a country. The finals will be held thousands of miles away from Angola in South Africa, thus making such fears somewhat unfounded. People must remember that in the summer of 2009 the FIFA Confederations Cup was held in South Africa as a tester as to how they would host competition. The results on the whole were very positive with no such horrors as that which took place in Angola.

The next factor to consider is the organizational bodies behind the two events. The African Nations Cup is run by the Confederation of African Football. The blame must rest with them for scheduling the competition in a country where security was likely to be an issue, particularly when choosing Cabinda as a host venue in the first place. Responsibility also falls on the heads of the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda, who harmed their own cause by earning the condemnation of the entire world for their unprovoked and callous attack. But the fact remains; FIFA has a lot more money and power at its disposal that the CAF, and are sure to take every precaution necessary to make sure the World Cup goes ahead without a hitch. The world’s best players will be on display, and the potential for revenue is far greater than anything the African Nations Cup could dream off.

On the 10^th June 2010, the eyes of the world will be on Soccer City in Johannesburg for the first World Cup on African soil, and I for one cannot wait for what is sure to be a great festival of football.

BY DON MCDERMOTT

It is sad that I can no longer blame the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres should they actively seek a move away this summer. I don’t think any supporter would blame them; it must be disheartening having the responsibility of carrying an entire team on their shoulders. A footballer’s career is a short one; at the end you hope to look back at the medals you have won, but this does not seem to be something Liverpool can offer them any more. They would grace any team in the world, so why should they stay at a club that never delivers? It doesn’t help that for many of the occasions when Liverpool has failed to deliver; the manager has laid the blame with the squad door rather than take some kind of responsibility. It is pathetic when Benitez continues to blame injuries for disappointing performances. A manager’s job is to protect his players, not throw them to the wolves to save his own hide.

Rafa’s post match press conferences are a great source of embarrassment for the club. Every week it seems as if the officials are at fault for missing a penalty decision or getting something wrong for his team failing to win. When not complaining about referees, it’s not having enough money transfer funds. In his years at Liverpool, Rafa has spent over £250 million on players, including youth players. Only three have lived up to any of their hype; Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Xavi Alonso and Yossi Benayoun. The problem is that he rarely puts his faith in Benayoun, and forced out Alonso in a failed attempt to sign then Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry. Very few football fans would rather have Barry than Xavi Alonso. Let us take a look at the man who eventually replaced Alonso; Alberto Aquilani. Here is a player who was injured for the first few months of the season, yet is still worth £25 million. If he is apparently fit, where is he? On the bench. £25 million blown on a player for the bench. A footballer, who, when he has played has looked too light for the Premiership. He can’t even get into the team ahead of Lucas, who is simply not good enough to play for Liverpool. Kop fans can no longer be surprised by a manager who sells Robbie Keane half way through the season last year, leaving his squad with only one world class striker, and then failing to address the issue, thus applying more pressure on Torres.

With my final words I would implore Mr Benitez to admit to Liverpool fans that he has taken the club as far as he can. Rafa must voluntarily step aside to save the club from crippling itself financially by having to pay him off, even if this means waiting until the season’s end for a class act like Hiddink, Mourinho or Guardiola. No longer can Benitez hide behind excuses without being held to account.

BY CIARÁN REID

Both teams entered the fixture with very little knowledge of either sport and as promised, this was a highly entertaining fixture. Queen’s Hurling fielded a team with a blend of young and experienced players, and in the end it was the relatively inexperienced John Moriarty and Cillian Ward who proved the heroes for the hurlers.

A sodden pitch and wet afternoon certainly did not deter the two eager teams. Queen’s hurlers made a positive start through an early goal, but a quick response from the Lacrosse team soon levelled the tie with a well taken goal from club chairman Jonny Burke. Indeed, Burke’s constant energetic and darting runs were a constant torment to the QUB hurlers throughout.

For Lacrosse, the experience of Siobhan Carroll was vital in attack. The Lacrosse team’s female contingent of Siobhan Carroll, Deirdre Swail, Camilla Thompsell and Ellie Torlot certainly proved that the newly formed club can compete, demonstrating a formidable attacking and vocal force. The first half whistle sounded with Queen’s hurlers taking the narrowest of leads into the break.

As the second half unfolded it look like Queen’s hurlers fought hard to hold their lead until the last five minutes; from nowhere, two goals in quick succession put Lacrosse in front for the first time. The minutes ticked by with a leveling score from the hurlers seeming increasingly unlikely until Cillian Ward stepped up to net a great ground stroke in the last puck of the game.

At full time the first ever lacrosse-hurling game had ended in deadlock and both sides decided to play five minutes of extra time; “The hits then flew”, according to Hurling chairman Ciarán Reid. It took three minutes into extra time for the hurlers to find the net, and a tense two minutes followed, but the hurlers however refused to fold and held on for a historic victory.

Under the watchful eye of an 8^th Dan Master, in the unfamiliar surroundings of Falkirk, QUB Taekwondo’s Michelle De La Vega earned recognition and hit new heights. But completing her first Dan black belt was no easy feat.

BY NEIL BRANNIGAN

Michelle is originally from Boston MA, and came to Belfast to complete a PhD in Biomedical Sciences/Cancer Biology. It was in Boston that she began Tae Kwon Do training, and after just four years she has achieved what all martial artists aim for.

Michelle recalls when she first arrived in Belfast and how signing up to the Queen’s club was her priority. She believes that finding a balance between university life and extra-curricular activities is crucial. “Without training I would not be able to study. Everyone needs something else besides class, or else you become too stressed.”

Throughout the process of grading, Michelle admits to her feelings of uncertainty and the constant instinct that things could have gone better. She said, “Once you throw nerves into the mix, everything seems more difficult; confidence is everything.”

Michelle De La Vega is certainly no stranger to competition. In addition to her grading she has won multiple awards in Poomase (patterns) as well as sparring medals. Coming third at the Scottish Poomase Championships the day after grading demonstrates the sheer determination required for Tae Kwon Do. However, two gold medals from the British Nationals and other awards ensure this hard work does not go unnoticed.

Though heavily involved in competing in Tae Kwon Do on the national stage, De La Vega also recognizes the social aspect of her sport. She is currently President of Queen’s TaeKwonDo club, and is keen to welcome all newcomers along to the “fantastic” society that has helped her reach undisputed levels.

Competitions are frequent and promotions earned; university is not just for class, but also for personal development. Michelle De La Vega’s story is not just one of individual motivation and achievement throughout Queen’s, but an example for all students from all societies.

BY ROBYN MCMURRAY

With entrants ranging from novice to elite, Queen’s Trampoline society welcomes new members of all levels. From the obligatory fancy dress on Friday to the night out on Saturday, the competition promises to be an opportunity for all members to stand out from the crowd, in both the sporting and social sector. From first year to final year, QUB Trampoline club would like students to “Come Bounce with Us”. All students are encouraged to learn a new sport, as well as represent the university and gain the extra-curricular experience which will undoubtedly stand by graduates.

BY EMMA CREEN

The PEC claims to have made membership “even more flexible”, with “new student packages” such as the option of paying monthly by direct debit, offers for peak and off-peak times, as well as an academic year 9-month membership. But what is not advertised is the fact that the prices of these membership packages have inflated to double what they were two years ago. Just two years ago, a Queen’s student could avail of an all-inclusive membership for £100. Now this has gone up to £222.

“Even more flexible” perhaps on paper, due to the various membership options, (which start at £112 for Queen’s students, if you opt for the 9-month off-peak rate, which isn’t much use for those with classes after 4pm) but sure to leave a large dent in your student loan. Even the cost for a non-member Queen’s student’s admission per visit to the gym, swimming pool or a fitness class has doubled from £2 to £4.

Instead of making the most of the facilities, many students are now unable to afford to use the PEC as often as previously; swimming three times a week now costs as much as paying for monthly membership by direct debit. It is clear that the PEC’s new price rates are there to encourage students to take out pricey memberships instead of coming and going as they please.

Regardless of the quality of facilities and equipment or the interior design of the building, surely a university sports facility should be there primarily for all students to enjoy, not reaping an enormous profit.

By Gown sport reporter

Depending on the weather, waiting pilots and your instructor, it is possible to stay up for a very long time without any additional charges. The instruction is carried out by voluntary expert instructors and the progress is recorded in a personal log book.  The QUBGC uses the Ulster Gliding Club facilities at the Bellarena Airfield (County Londonderry). So it is also possible to use the newer two seat glider of the Ulster Gliding Club for a soaring charge of 35p per minute. Flying is possible on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and on Saturdays and Sundays from dawn to dusk. The club also offers a ground school every Tuesday 8-9 pm, which is not compulsory but recommended. So if you want to try flying a small airplane or aim at getting a license at low cost the Queen’s University Belfast Gliding Club is worth a look.

For further information and details about the club please visit the clubs website:

http://gliding.club.qub.ac.uk/

Indeed, the university rowing is built on the premise of dreams. No other sport at Queen’s allows you to show up at try-outs with no previous experience and become a potential part of an Olympic racing team! The Queen’s team training is intensive. During the cold winter months a Queen’s rower is expected to rise six out of seven mornings to perform cardio-vascular activities; alternatively, if they are not to be found pumping away in the PEC, they are pushing their bodies to unknown boundaries on the water. Other students sometimes find it a personal achievement to rise before eleven and make it to class on time.

BY ORLA MACKLE

“Rowing isn’t just a sport it’s a lifestyle,” Queen’s PhD Psychology student and senior coax for the girls team claims. Aisling has been training with the Queen’s team for two years now and relays how the sport requires a high degree of determination and commitment.

But why does Aisling endure the early morning slogs and let’s be honest, ban on the lazy hung-over student way of life? “Well for a start it looks good on your CV, it shows off your time management skills and team building and it’s a great way for Freshers to build up a strong network of friends…It teaches you the essence of the word “team” because there are no individual medals in Rowing.”

Aisling also points out the opportunities that are available to travel with team as the Queen’s team is constantly competing in Ireland, England and Greater Europe. The notoriously spirited Queens v Trinity Race of which Queen’s currently holds the title is infamous. Just this past summer, the men’s senior crew, due to their excellent performance in the British University Championships were asked by the coach of Great Britain to represent the nation at the European University Championships in Poland.

This success of course spills over into the impressive women’s crew who were crowned second in the women’s Irish intermediate championships and also came second in the British championships.  Ex-Cambridge coach Mark Fangan-Hall’s moto “Train hard to race easy” has obviously infiltrated its way through the rowing ranks. At the time of publishing the men’s crew are also in the middle of trials for the upcoming squad to represent Ireland in the London Olympics.

It would appear that all the early morning starts are not in vain and the Queen’s team continue to sort out the weak form the chafe and sift out the most dedicated and inspiring student athletes QUB has to offer.

For anybody looking to put a punt on who’s going to win the Premier League or even clinch a Champions League place this year, they should probably withhold such confidence. Already this season, title holders Manchester United have been beaten my newcomers Burnley, Liverpool have went on their worst run since 1987 having lost four games in a row, and Chelsea were deservedly beaten my top four hopefuls Aston Villa. The established order is going through a shaky time indeed.

BY JASON GALLAGHER

Before the league started a few major changes had taken place. Who can argue that Ronaldo’s departure wasn’t a catalyst for Manchester United’s lack of flourish this season? This was the man who devastated the ‘lower order’ and renowned for arousing his teams confidence with the so called ‘step over.’ Fellow Mancunian’s, Man City enjoyed a spending spree like never before. Adebayor, Tevez, Barry and Santa Cruz were just a couple of the top names Mark Hughes managed to convince into joining, no doubt with the aim of a top four finish.

At present, Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa are probably the only teams capable of breaking the mould; however, Sunderland lie just two points behind league favourites Liverpool. Over the past years, these were the teams always with ability to achieve, but always falling by the wayside. This year is different; these teams have players beginning to fulfil their potential for the first time, with such names as Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Defoe and James Milner giving performances that have destroyed defences made up of England’s best.

Funding by foreign investors has obviously accredited Man City’s rise to fame and fortune. However, for Tottenham and Aston Villa, managerial experience, excellent strategy and the excellent nurturing of young players have benefited their teams significantly.

Beach ball or not, the established order could look very different by the end of the season. Perhaps the ‘top four’ description will change to the ‘top six’, and maybe Manchester United will get stuffed by Hull City…but one thing is for sure, Match of Day will be on every Saturday night.

]]> http://www.thegown.org.uk/2009/10/27/sport-not-a-time-to-bet/feed/ 0 http://www.thegown.org.uk/2009/10/27/sport-queen%e2%80%99s-ryan-cup-fixtures-1sts-and-2nds-2009/ http://www.thegown.org.uk/2009/10/27/sport-queen%e2%80%99s-ryan-cup-fixtures-1sts-and-2nds-2009/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:18:20 +0000 admin http://www.thegown.org.uk/?p=503

 Senior Roinn 1D

1. Queens University Belfast
2. University of Ulster Jordanstown
3. St Marys
4. Dundalk Institute of Technology

Rd 1 15.10.09 Thursday

Dundalk:   Dundalk IT (1-8)  v  QUB (2-13)

Jordanstown:   UUJ  v  St Marys

Rd 2 21.10.09 Wednesday

Jordanstown:   UUJ  v  Dundalk IT

St Pauls GAC:   St Mary’s  v  QUB

Rd 3 4.11.09 Wednesday

Casement:   QUB  v  UUJ

St Pauls GAC:   St Mary’s  v  Dundalk IT

Quarter Finals     Wednesday 11^th November

Home advantage group winners

(1)   _______________  v  ________________

        Winners A                          Runners up D

(2)   _______________  v  ________________

        Winners D                          Runners up A

(3)   _______________  v  ________________

        Winners B                          Runners up C

(4)   _______________  v  ________________

        Winners C                          Runners up B

Semi Finals      Wednesday 18^th November

Neutral Venues

 _______________  v  ________________

        Winners (1)                          Winners (3)

_______________  v  ________________

        Winners (2)                         Winners (4) 

Final       Tuesday 1^st December

_______________  v  ________________

Relegation Playoffs

Wednesday 18^th November

Neutral Venues

(1)   ________________  v  _________________

         Bottom Team A                 Bottom Team D

(2)   ________________  v  _________________

         Bottom Team B                 Bottom Team C

Intermediate D

1. Queens University Belfast
2. University of Ulster Jordanstown
3. St Marys
4. Dundalk Institute of Technology

Rd 1 14.10.09 Wednesday

Dundalk:   Dundalk IT  v  QUB

Jordanstown:  UUJ  v  St Marys

Rd 2 21.10.09 Wednesday

Jordanstown:    UUJ  v  Dundalk IT

St Pauls GAC:      St Mary’s  v  QUB

Rd 3 4.11.09 Wednesday

The Dub:   QUB  v  UUJ

St Pauls GAC:   St Mary’s  v  Dundalk IT

BY BRIAN QUINN

The announcement was delivered at around the same time it became apparent that France, Portugal and perhaps Germany might not make it to South Africa, and it wouldn’t be entirely profitable for FIFA to have two of these teams compete for one spot in the finals. This decision will no doubt rock the qualification hopes of smaller nations such as the Republic and Serbia. FIFA should concentrate more on developing and promoting the game in smaller footballing countries rather than see to it that their “big guns” are well looked after. The 2008 European Championships were a no England affair and as a football fan I can say that I enjoyed the tournament just as much without the presence of one of the big teams. (Actually in this case, I think it made the experience extra enjoyable.)

Ireland face a tall order in next month’s clashes with France, but all is not lost; once again the nation can display the same degree of mettle that they did against Italy and keep their composure right to the final whistle then they will have no cause to fear.

Geovanni Trappatoni’s men got off to the best possible start when Liam Lawrence’s squared free kick to Glenn Whelan met a sublime strike to put the hosts ahead. The Republic famously upset the Italians in 1994 by scoring early and holding out for the win. History would not repeat itself, however; just 17 minutes later the visitors were level when Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given fumbled a Mauro Camoranesi header at his near post from an Andrea Pirlo corner. The Italians, for whom a draw was sufficient, quite predictably shut up shop and held on to the ball without really testing Shay Given’s goal. The second half was to begin with Given picking the ball out of his own net again; fortunately for the Irish, however, Iaquinta’s header was ruled offside.

BY BRIAN QUINN

The second half was mostly without incident with the better chances falling to the Republic. Stephen Hunt replaced Aiden McGeady on 78 minutes and immediately began to worry the Italian back four. On 87 minutes he seemed to have broken free of the visitor’s defense only to be brought down on the edge of the area and winning his side a free kick. Hunt delivered into the box and the ball made its way into the back of the net via Sean St. Ledger’s head.

The reaction inside Croke Park was emphatic, with Stewarts failing to control the crowd in parts of the stadium. Victory was on the horizon; at least it seemed that way. Demonstrating the class of World Champions, the Italian’s were back on level terms through Gilardino’s unceremoniously equalizer in the 90th minute. Unbridled joy inside the arena became deathly silence, and to the unlucky Irish watching the final whistle did not signal a point earned, but two points dropped. The result means Ireland are guaranteed a play-off position for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, and having come so close to victory against the World Champions, the Republic will surely fancy their chances against any team in their path.

Media and sport go hand in hand in today’s society. Sport has become such a big part of our lives, and this may have a lot to do with much of it being covered in great detail by the media. Television mainly, allows us to follow a clubs success, and create our own judgements on their performance. So the issue of broadcasting Queen’s soccer and GAA matches, with the help of a live stream, to the Students Union has been raised quite recently.

Neil Brannigan

Queen’s athletes rank among some of the best in the country, competing at standards varying from a university to an international level. They train tirelessly throughout the year, in all weather conditions, watch their diets and training regimes like experienced professionals, and yet many go unrecognised. Our university has many sporting heroes; the PEC itself is lined with images of past pupils who went on to become successful ambassadors of their sport, and not enough is being done to promote their legacy and that of our rising stars using the media.

I can see only good things coming from Queen’s club matches being broadcast live at the Union. Not only would it promote our teams, but could also prove to generate more individual appreciation for our athletes. More people may become interested in travelling to watch games, and with a good baseline of support behind them, our lads might feel more valued.

If this scheme was to prove successful we could go one step up; broadcasting our teams’ matches on national television. UTV prides itself with covering local events throughout the six counties, so university matches would fit in perfectly! University competitions can generate extreme intensity and excitement. The games are of the highest quality, and really could rank more exciting than some of the yawn worthy premiership matches which are currently broadcast.

Our players need recognition. They are better role models than most celebrities circulating the ‘red carpet world’ at the minute; why not promote them? More supporters are also needed for our clubs, and this scheme could be just the answer.

If you have ever had a look at the sports available to you as a Queen’s student, you will know just how many there are. You can’t possibly try them all- that would be crazy. So how do you decide which one is right for you?

NEIL BRANNIGAN

If you are keen on taking up a sport, whether you are a new or returning student, then there are a few things to take into account: Firstly, you can call upon previous experience. If you have had a history of participation within a sport, now might be your chance to continue with it. Queen’s clubs are always welcoming new members, especially those with some experience. Our clubs will help you develop your skills and could also allow you the chance to compete anywhere from a provincial to an international level.

Many sports provide members with challenges, which can vary to suit you.  Would you favour the contact of rugby over the skill needed for basketball? Perhaps you would suit the relaxed yet competitive atmosphere of pool or even challenge yourself against the endurance and discipline needed for a martial art.

Student life is very stressful, and if your life revolves around academic achievements you will feel the pressure. So when choosing a sport, it is crucial you undertake one which you will work on. It can help avert your attention and help you temporarily escape from that essay or assignment.

So go and find a sport that suits you. Find one you will work on, and that mounts a challenge that you are not afraid of tackling.