NEWS
A Plethora of Referenda: UCCSU Student Referenda Results 2026
During the UCC Students’ Union (UCCSU) elections on March 9-11, four referenda were held alongside the voting for the 2026/27 Sabbatical Officers, College Representatives, and Campaign Representatives.
“You, Me and HIV” campaign will positively impact students' understanding of HIV and AIDS
“You, Me and HIV” is a collaboration between the HSE and people living with HIV and their loved ones, which aims to address the misconceptions people have about HIV and reduce the stigma people living with HIV experience.
UCC Student Council Passes Motion in Support of Sex Worker Rights
‘University College Cork Students’ Union (UCCSU) supports sex workers’ rights and the abolition of Ireland’s Nordic model approach to sex work. Under the Nordic model, people who purchase sex are criminalised, while individual sex workers are not.’
Your Guide to Deciding Who to Vote for in the General Election
Whether it is your first time voting, you have moved to a new constituency, or you are still determining what your local candidates and each political party stand for, here are some tips for deciding who to vote for on election day.
UCC Researchers Investigate Methods of Countering Conspiracy Theories and Disinformation
New research conducted by UCC shows that critical thinking skills can be effective in countering conspiracy beliefs.
FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS
Grace Alice Ó Sé: ‘It’s 2026, why do I have to censor the word sex?’
Motley’s Editor, Paula Dennan, caught up with Sex & Intimacy Specialist, podcaster and author Grace Alice Ó Sé to discuss her time studying at UCC, her career, and the misinformation young people see online about sex and relationships.
Alison Arnopp: ‘I feel like my sense of Irishness definitely got stronger when I moved to the UK.’
Motley’s Editor, Paula Dennan, sat down with performer and writer Alison Arnopp to discuss her acting, singing, and writing career.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Hachette Cancels Publication of Shy Girl by Mia Ballard Over Suspected AI Usage
“As readers, we are unlikely to find out the exact chain of events and the full story of what Mia Ballard did or didn’t do with AI while writing Shy Girl. Hachette’s cancellation of Ballard’s novel and by extension her career after The New York Times picked up this story indicates that one of the world’s largest publishing houses may be incapable of detecting AI-generated or AI-assisted fiction. Or, concerningly, it can detect AI-assisted writing, but hopes that readers cannot.”
Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin
“Ordinary Saints is an assured debut from a writer unafraid to ask questions that don’t have easy answers.”
Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone? By Louise O’Neill
“Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone? is an unsettling examination of misogyny, exploitation, and our obsession with celebrity culture and gossip. It is sure to spark conversations at book clubs and beyond, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark for this reader.”
Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell
“Nesting is a complex and compelling story, but it isn’t simply an ‘issues’ novel.”
All Them Dogs by Djamel White
“All Them Dogs is an engrossing story about power, violence, lust, and whether people are doomed to repeat their past behaviours or are capable of change.”
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Eight Compelling Irish Essay Collections to Ease You into Winter Recess
“What each collection has in common is that by writing about their own experiences, the authors invite their readers to examine the broader society and draw connections that they may not have considered before.”
ESSAYS
The joy of takeaway coffee
On finding joy in having my first takeaway coffee post-cocooning during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Constant Companion | The Conversation We Need To Have About Grief
On how everything I thought I understood about grief proved wrong following my dad’s death.
How the online bisexual community helped me find myself
On realising I am bisexual in my late 20s and finding community online through Bi+ Ireland.
COMMENT AND OPINION
How Living With Bipolar Disorder Affects My Experience of University
For World Bipolar Day on March 30, Motley’s Editor Paula Dennan shares how living with bipolar disorder affects her studies and student experience.
3 ways to be an ally to the bisexual community
Paula Dennan offers advice on being an ally to the bisexual community, creating inclusive spaces, and tackling biphobia.
The Perils of Being the Junior Party or Independent TDs in a Coalition Government
“Coalition governments have been the norm in Ireland since the 1980s, yet elections have not always been kind to the junior parties or groupings in those coalitions.”
6 misconceptions about bisexuality that contribute to biphobia
Paula Dennan shares common misconceptions and stereotypes about bisexual people that contribute to biphobia.
A full-throated defence of abortion rights
“I want the legislative review to result in the complete decriminalisation of abortion and the expansion of abortion services to remove all barriers for people who need abortions.”
Kerry Says Yes!
“We have tallied the boxes. We have seen the numbers. The local anti-choice group went home early. We know Kerry has voted Yes, but still, we can’t believe it. Which is why we are waiting with bated breath for the guy in charge to officially announce it.”
‘You may recover quickly if you get Covid-19. Many of us won’t. Some of us will die’
Reports of crowds of people gathering at the beach or out hiking shows that there is still work to do when it comes to getting people to understand the importance of social distancing, writes Paula Dennan.
Misogyny Of The Eighth Amendment Is Still Alive In Ireland
“Allowing pregnant people to make the choices that are right for them was at the heart of the grassroots pro-choice campaign prior to the referendum on the Eighth Amendment and continues to be the rallying cry now.”
Now is not the time for silence
“We still have work to do, but look how far we’ve come. Look what we have achieved. We are stronger together, so I hope you will join me in demanding that abortion be free, safe, legal and accessible to everyone who wants or needs it.”
Why We Need More Women In Politics
“Research describes the reasons for women’s under-representation as the ‘5 Cs’: confidence, cash, candidate selection, culture and childcare.”
MEDIA APPEARANCES
Out & Proud
I spoke with Trevor Keegan on RTÉ Radio 1's Out & Proud about all things bisexual, pansexual, m-spec identities, and Bi+ Ireland alongside Jack Dunne.
Double Standards When it Comes to Men & Women’s Personal Safety?
I spoke with Jerry O’Sullivan on Kerry Today about situational awareness, victim-blaming, and how we view women’s safety differently than men’s.
Bi+ Ireland Panel at Dublin Pride
In June 2021, I was a panellist for Bi+ Ireland’s discussion on bi-erasure, biphobia and the common myths and stereotypes bisexual, pansexual and m-spec people face from the straight and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Pride Inside Bi+ Community Panel
In July 2020, I was a panelist for Pride Inside’s Bi+ Community Panel. Fun fact, I was so nervous that at one point I referred to my very much still alive husband as my ‘late husband’. Thankfully, he found it hilarious!
Freedom of Conscience and Implementing Abortion Legislation
In December 2018, I spoke with Jerry O’Sullivan on Kerry Today about why doctors’ refusal of care for abortion must not be allowed to prevent pregnant people from accessing abortion services in a timely manner.
Reaction to referendum result
In May 2018, I spoke with Jerry O’Sullivan on Kerry Today about the 66.4 per cent vote to Repeal the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution and the dedicated work of Kerry for Choice and Kerry Together for Yes volunteers.
Dáil Debate on Repealing the Eighth Amendment
In January 2018, I spoke with Jerry O’Sullivan on Kerry Today about the Dáil debates on the referendum to Repeal the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution and the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s recommendations.