We’re three weeks into first term, the excitement of freshers’ week has well and truly dwindled, and this “Christmas exam” business has even the Lecky packed out. Thankfully, fourth week has arrived, and with it a slew of society events to re-ignite some of that waning enthusiasm post-freshers’ week. Built into the College year to celebrate societies and offer them a platform to display all that they have to offer for the year, fourth week is filled with a myriad of unpredictable and wacky events. With so many events on, and so many societies desperate to lure you in, it can be difficult to know just which ones are for you. To help you pick and choose, we’ve put together a short list of some of our favourite events coming up this week.
Monday
Join the College Historical Society (the Hist) in the Exam Hall at 7.30pm today as they examine the role of art in social change. Hist Auditor Catherine Kelly will be delivering a paper looking at how creativity and visuals might effect change in society at the inaugural of the 249th Session of the Hist. She will be joined by Repeal Project founder Anna Cosgrave, whose famous Repeal jumpers are thought to have had a decisive impact on the referendum last May. Accompanying Cosgrave is Dr Emma Mahony, a lecturer from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), best known for her research into the relationship between contemporary art, curatorial studies, racial pedagogy and activism. The discussion is set to be both engaging and provocative and will certainly open up a debate considering the power of the pen and the paintbrush in the modern world.
Tuesday
The Graduates Memorial Building (GMB) will play host to the Dublin University Photography Association (DUPA) on Tuesday at 6pm when the society will hold its exhibition, Depicting Protest. The group appealed to students across campus to submit photos of their work “protesting the status quo” in movements such as Take Back Trinity, Strike for Repeal, Take Back the City, Pride and the End Direct Provision marches. The event is not only a celebration but a declaration of the power students hold to effect change, and is a must-see event for this reminder alone.
Also on in the GMB on Tuesday is the Germanic Society’s annual Oktoberfest festivities, kicking off at 7pm. The society is creating an on-campus and pocket-friendly version of the famous German festival. A free event promising traditional German delicacies (pretzels we hope), accompanied by viel Bier served in picture-perfect German Steins. Be sure to head over to the GMB to enjoy all this, plus some atmosphere-setting German music for a chance to see all that the Germanic Society is all about.
Wednesday
With fourth week arrives the annual influx of free society events, enticing us with promises of free food and fun times. This year does not disappoint. From the Italian Society’s Caravaggio and Canapés event, to the Traditional Music Society’s Tasty Tune Crawl, these committees know the way to our food-loving hearts. However, perhaps the crowning foodie event of the week is the Food and Drink Society’s Secret Food Tour. Kicking off at 3.30pm this Wednesday, the Food and Drink Society will be taking you on a mystery food tour of Dublin to enjoy the finest delicacies that the city has to offer. The event promises an afternoon of eating, drinking, and just an all-around good time. Sadly, and there always is a catch where free food is involved: places are limited to just 21 people! To secure a spot on the tour, head over to the Arts Block on Monday to fight to the death to get a place and sort out your Wednesday lunch.
Thursday
The Italian Society is hosting a tasty, artsy endeavour this week to celebrate all things Caravaggio and all things canapé. The evening will begin in the National Gallery for a tour of its Italian highlights, including Caravaggio’s “Taking of Christ”. Following the tour, the group will be heading over to Dolce Sicily on Dawson St to enjoy what will certainly be a delicious spread of Italian canapés. Places on the tour are extremely limited so if interested, message the society’s Facebook page. Access will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but all are welcome to join the group in Dolce Sicily after the tour.
Friday
Trinity’s Student Managed Fund (SMF) is holding its third student-run female leadership conference in Regent House at 6pm this Friday. Entitled “Breaking Boundaries”, the event aims to broadcast the success stories of business women and men who have defied the odds to ascend to incredible positions of power and leadership. This year’s panel includes Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon, President of Flextronics Caroline Dowling and Lauren Simmons, the youngest and only female trader on the New York Stock Exchange. The panel will be moderated by Gavin McLoughlin, the Business News Editor at the Irish Independent and a Broadcaster at Newstalk. This is a ticketed event with limited seats so be sure to secure a space by registering online.
