NUI,
Editorial
“Confusion recollected in obscurity”
It is my great pleasure and honour to introduce you to this year’s NUI, Galway College Annual, veritably the Alpha and Omega of College publications (if I do say so myself). It is the purpose of the College Annual to survey the year in the life of this University, in particular the year in the life of its oldest and largest society- the Literary and Debating Society, serving as it does as the journal of the society. This annual, which has been published regularly since 1902, is compiled from the work- literary, journalistic and otherwise of its most important, but often forgotten members- its students.
It cannot be denied but that the year
1999-2000 has been remarkable for the amount of activity, promotion and insane
jocularity visible in student clubs and societies. From protests on behalf of
our fee-paying student nurses to a brand new Arts Week, celebrating the vibrant
tradition of music, drama and literature in the university and from lively
fund-raising by charitable organisations to the valiant performance of our boys
in the Sigerson Cup, we’ve seen it all this year. At
this the turn of the century, the pride and passion, for which NUI,
Lit’n’Deb’s year too, although not yet over, can be seen, from the increased interest of students in our meetings on Thursday evenings and the success of debaters representing this university at intervarsities, to have been a great success. Aisling Currid and Barry Ryan’s participation in the Irish Times Final alongside NUI, Galway graduate and Lit’n’Deb Honorary Life Member Louise Rouse, who was ultimately victorious, evidences the fact that the wit and skill of Galway debaters can compare with that of debaters from any other university.
The value of the Literary and Debating Society as a forum for freedom of opinion and expression in the life of the student can never be overstated. As Jonathan Swift put it: “it is with men as with asses; whoever would keep fast must find a very good hold at their ears”(obligatory daft quotation). If one wishes to rouse one’s fellow students or to try and challenge the injustice in the world, what better way to win their support then by addressing them directly and letting them hear your impassioned plea straight from the asses mouth, so to speak.
It is terrifying to stand in front of one’s contemporaries with nothing but one’s voice (or revealing clothing) to keep their attention. The sense of achievement one feels, however, when one has made a clear point or perhaps even got a few laughs is more powerful than any narcotic and is just as addictive.
Taking part in this year’s Staff vs. Student debate I was forced to follow the magnificent Dr. Leo Smyth and while I have never felt such intense, white fear as I felt before speaking (Nunc Nunc Qui Timet Eloqui- now now who fears to speak), I did feel a sense of triumph when it was all over; if could survive that; I could survive anything.
Debating is a passion, an illicit love affair to compare with no other; for once you are smitten, you are smitten for a life-time. And if this analogy is true then this annual consists of the love letters of those that surrender themselves to this ‘coup de foudre.’ Although a stressful job at times, I have felt honoured to be the Editor of this fine publication. It is my sincerest hope that you enjoy the read and remain loyal to your sweet heart- the Literary and Debating Society.
Elaine Dobbyn (2nd Arts)
Literary
Officer