The Life In UL.

The life in UL

From the minute I entered primary school till the minute I wrote my last words in my leaving certificate exam, nothing I imagined would be like the college life. After slaving away in primary and secondary school memorizing things or languages that I would never use again, I found it extremely pointless. Although I learned many things that are still relevant in my life today, it still didn’t attract me to education such as University.     

 

For me the freedom is the element that attracts me most to college. In secondary school everything was done the teacher’s way or through some form of education cycle to learn a load of bull you would never use again. Now, I have the licence to roam, do my work five weeks before it is due, or cram before the night drinking cans of red bull to stay awake.

Last year it was a case of getting up every morning, at the same time, eating the same breakfast, the same lunch coming home and doing the same thing, repetition, repetition, repetition. However times have changed as I can get up maybe at two get my work done and relax with not a care in the world, (well some days).     

Looking at the educational side, it is a win/win situation however the recreational side is ridiculously good.  The gym, pubs, music cinemas, shopping, it all fits well into the student life to make college days truly the best days of your life. Although it all may sound expensive however we students really know how to stretch our money.

 

Another factor that in one way changes things up from previous education is the people you meet. Sorry but the friends and people I know the last ten years, will always be my friends but it’s always good to meet new people and change it up. (Even if they are from Munster).

From the day I first day I began school it was the same, returning to my house through the front door, every day for 14 years. At the start of this year, I went to “school” and returned through my own door I can say which was a great  feeling as it started a new chapter in my life.

 

 The life in UL in certainly great and I love it dearly, however home is where the heart is and its always going to be the place I return to regardless where I go.

 

Unpredictability of the All-Ireland SFC

As a Cavan man and a supporter of Cavan football all my life I haven’t the glory of my county winning an All-Ireland in my time, yet. It is never clear for me, the other fans across the country or the media, who will come out on top once championship comes in any years.

However isn’t that what makes it so brilliant?

From the league we see teams with different objectives. These may include trying the panel out, fighting for promotion or to avoid relegation or trying different tactics. However once championship comes, every man is willing to die to be crowned All Ireland champion with his county.

From the last few years every pundit has a different view of who will win and who shall lose. From the physically demanding Donegal in 2012, to Stephen Cluxton’s last minute free to seal it for the Dubs in 2011. To the victorious Cork team in 2010, who claimed a SFC for the rebel county in a twenty year wait.  There has been a great mixture in competition, especially for the audience.

Yet still in 2014 we still can’t predict a winner. The Dubs are strong of course, Kerry without the Gooch hard to live up to expectations. Then the likes of Derry Cork and Tyrone in division one league are exciting prospects but could bluff it when the long road begins to Croker.  Then we can’t forget about Mayo who are still having nightmares of being runners up two years in a row.

After many talks, arguments and conclusions with different people whether it is at dinner, having a cup of tea or a sneaky pint of stout, one thing is clear. Each year of the SFC seems to get better and better with the prospect of a new winner and stories that will become legendary for future generations.