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Articles by Alice Keegan
How the Irish Created Halloween, From the Celts to the Diaspora
How the Irish Created Halloween, From the Celts to the Diaspora Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Editor Alice Keegan traces the origin of Halloween and how it's ancient roots come from Irish soil The chill in the air, the pumpkin spice everything on menus, the frantic group chats trying to decide on plans for this Saturday: Halloween season is upon us. But Halloween’s origins trace back over two thousand years, predating Christianity and late-stage capitalism.
High Court Overturns Decision to Deny Palestinian Students' Visa to Study at UCC
High Court Overturns Decision to Deny Palestinian Students' Visa to Study at UCC Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Editor Alice Keegan reports on the High Court's decision to overturn Palestinian Students' visa refusals to study at UCC Today at the High Court, a Palestinian student with a scholarship to study at UCC whose visa was refused by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has been overturned.
High Court Hears Challenge to the Irish Government’s Refusal of Gazan Students’ Visas as Irish Artists Ask the Taoiseach to “Do the Decent Thing.”
High Court Hears Challenge to the Irish Government’s Refusal of Gazan Students’ Visas as Irish Artists Ask the Taoiseach to “Do the Decent Thing.” Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Editor Alice Keegan reports on the High Court's hearing of challenges to the Irish government’s refusal of Gazan students’ visas On Tuesday, October 20, a High Court case commenced, challenging the Irish government’s refusal to provide visas to students from Gaza to study in Irish universities.
PrEP Medication & Consultations Now Available at UCD Student Health Service
PrEP Medication & Consultations Now Available at UCD Student Health Service UCD Student Health Services expand to offer PrEP PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a prescription medicine that helps prevent HIV in HIV-negative people who are at increased risk of infection, is now available at the UCD Student Health Service, located in the Student Centre at UCD.
Thousands Attend 'F*ck the Fees' Protest
Thousands Attend 'F*ck the Fees' Protest Editor Alice Keegan, Deputy Editor John O'Connor, and News Editor Benjamin Floyd report from the 'F*ck the Fees' protest on October 1 On Thursday, 1 October, a “Fuck the Fees” protest was held in Dublin City Centre. It was attended by an estimated 3,000 students and representatives from student unions from all over the country. Issues such as the student contribution fee, accommodation, transport and support were given centre stage throughout the afternoon.
"There Are Still Moments When I'm Writing Dialogue for Kermit and Think, Wait, How is This My Job?": Emmy Winner and UCD Alum Kelly Younger
"There Are Still Moments When I'm Writing Dialogue for Kermit and Think, Wait, How is This My Job?": Emmy Winner and UCD Alum Kelly Younger Screenwriter Kelly Younger discusses studying in UCD, writing The Muppets and winning an Emmy. Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Southern California, but nowhere near the entertainment industry. My father was a truck driver, my grandfather drove a cement truck, and we grew up very working-class.
"It's Down to Us, We Need to Start Talking About It": In Conversation With A UCD Student on Terminating Her Pregnancy in 2026
Editor Alice Keegan interviews a UCD student on what it is like to have an abortion in 2026. The student found out she was pregnant in the health service in UCD in January 2026, the week before college was due to start for a new semester. “I had been feeling really ill and I had actually missed one of my Christmas assignments because I was so sick. There was just a feeling, I knew something was wrong.” She went for a 9 a.m. appointment at UCD’s Student Health Service.
University Observer Poll Finds 91% of UCD Students in Favour of a United Ireland
University Observer Poll Finds 91% of UCD Students in Favour of a United Ireland See the results of the University Observer Irish unity poll The question of Irish unification has not weighed so heavily on public discourse since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Since the start of this academic term, UCD has been abuzz with similar discussions on unification. Catherine Connolly, throughout her election campaign had advocated for a united Ireland.
"The war should not be allowed to become the end of my ambitions.”: Othman A. Abd Rabou on his visa being rejected by the Irish government
"The war should not be allowed to become the end of my ambitions.”: Othman A. Abd Rabou on his visa being rejected by the Irish government Image Credit: Othman A. Abd Rabou Othman A. Abd Rabou is a 30 year old student who was due to begin studying at UCD this September. His visa was one of the many which were rejected by the Irish government. Editor Alice Keegan interviews Othman on his experience. Othman’s life has changed since the war and genocide began in Gaza.
UCD staff and students attend the ‘Let Them Study’ standout protest on campus
UCD staff and students attend the ‘Let Them Study’ standout protest on campus Image Credit: Judith Bellmunt Over one hundred students and members of faculty gathered in UCD while government refuses to provide visas to Palestinian students who earned a place in Irish universities Organised by UCD Academia for Palestine and UCDSU, a ‘Let The Study’ standout protest took place at the main lake, in front of James Joyce Library at UCD’s Belfield campus today.
UCD students and staff protest outside Department of Justice as Government Continues to Refuse Palestinian Students' visas
UCD students and staff protest outside Department of Justice as Government Continues to Refuse Palestinian Students' visas Editor Alice Keegan reports from today’s UCDSU-organised protest against the refusal of visas for Palestinian students looking to study in Ireland On 11th September, protesters gathered outside the Department of Justice in response to the Irish government’s continuing refusal to grant visas to Palestinian students with places to study in Irish universities.
The Wellness Influencer You Trust More Than Your Doctor
The Wellness Influencer You Trust More Than Your Doctor Editor Alice Keegan examines the growth of influencer advice over medical expertise Today, wellness influencers, TV personalities and brand owners reach a far wider audience than any credited scientific source. But the question is: How are the seemingly harmless acts of wellness infiltrated by dangerous rejections of modern medicine and skepticism of the mainstream media?
"A Community That Feels Connected, But Not Always Connected to UCD": UCDSU Conducts a Survey on Smurfit Students’ Concerns.
"A Community That Feels Connected, But Not Always Connected to UCD": UCDSU Conducts a Survey on Smurfit Students’ Concerns. UCDSU Smurfit Community Survey conducted at UCD's Smurfit Graduate Business School reveals only 6% of respondents "strongly agreed" that they felt connected to the UCD community On July 2026, the UCDSU Smurfit Community Survey was conducted, receiving over 100 responses from students studying at the UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School.
UCD Appoints Its First Director of AI Amid Student Concerns Over AI In Education
UCD Appoints Its First Director of AI Amid Student Concerns Over AI In Education Professor Robin Burke has been appointed as the first Director of UCD's new AI Institute while students speak out against the implementation of AI into the classroom which is making some “actively disengage”. On August 6th, it was announced by UCD that Professor Robin Burke had been appointed as Director of its new UCD AI Institute that will open in October.
No End in Sight for Palestinian Students Looking to Study in Ireland
No End in Sight for Palestinian Students Looking to Study in Ireland Students from Gaza were due to begin attending UCD this month. Editor Alice Keegan discusses how there is still no end in sight There has been a widely-publicised sharp rise in visa rejections for Gazan students, despite many of the students having received fully-funded scholarships. The Irish state is for the first time refusing more visas for Palestinians than it is granting.
The Societies Corridor: UCD Societies Council Awards
The Societies Corridor: UCD Societies Council Awards As part of our new subsection and ahead of freshers week, Editor Alice Keegan breaks down this summer’s Societies Council awards. The Society of the Year Winners 2025/2026 were announced by UCD Societies Council on May 28. The Agricultural Society won the award for Society Charity Event of the Year, in recognition of their annual ‘Ag Week,’ with all proceeds raised from events going towards the Gavin Glynn Foundation and Irish Injured Jockey.
Dolly Parton: A Love Letter to a Songteller
Dolly Parton: A Love Letter to a Songteller Image Credit: Wickimedia Commons It was announced on Tuesday, August 25th, that Dolly Parton had died. She was everything a celebrity should be. With a discography spanning decades and countless accolades, Dolly Parton was an icon and above all; an inspiration. Alongside her work with marginalized communities, her career should be defined by her musical genius, her optimism, and her consistent willingness to help others.
OTwo Interviews: Sylvia Leatham
OTwo Interviews: Sylvia Leatham Image Credit: Ger Holland OTwo Co-Editors Alice Keegan and Laura Molloy spoke to author Sylvia Leatham about her debut novel Chaos Theory. Sylvia Leatham is the author of Chaos Theory. Leatham grew up in Stoneybatter in Dublin, and studied English and Philosophy at UCD. Leatham told OTwo how she always wanted to write but “over the years found ways to self-sabotage and to find excuses for not actually getting down to it”.
Council 9 Report: Constitutional Referendum and UCD’s Response to IBSA
Council 9 Report: Constitutional Referendum and UCD’s Response to IBSA Image Credit: Orla Mahon In the final meeting of UCDSU’s Council of the year, discussions were held surrounding e-bikes on campus, the upcoming constitutional referendum, and UCD’s response to UCDSU’s demands surrounding IBSA (image-based sexual assault). Reporting by Alice Keegan, Mary O'Leary, & Orla Mahon.
Love Story & The Ethics of the Murphy-verse
Love Story & The Ethics of the Murphy-verse Image Credit: Disney OTwo Editor Alice Keegan discusses super-producer Ryan Murphy’s newest controversial output, Love Story. The Ryan Murphy-executive produced “Love Story: John F. Kennedy & Carolyn Bessette” on Disney+ recounts the highs and lows of the iconic couple, from their surreptitious meeting, to when their lives were cruelly cut short.
OTwo Interviews: Craobh BÁC 7
OTwo Co-Editors Alice Keegan & Laura Molloy sat down with Gaeilgeoir Éamonn Ó hAdhmaill, committee member of the craobh BÁC 7. Éamonn Ó hAdhmaill grew up in Belfast, Co. Antrim, and is an active member of the craobh BÁC 7. “I did all my education through Irish, I'm married to a Gaeilgeoir and we are raising our kids with Irish as well. So it's very much front and centre and has always been in my life. Irish is my first language, and so I learned it before English”.
Caught in the Green Wave: Beyond the Commercialised Irish Identity
Caught in the Green Wave: Beyond the Commercialised Irish Identity Image Credit: Unsplash OTwo Editor Alice Keegan examines the concept of 'Irishness' in the wake of the Celtic revival. Not since Italia 90 has Ireland been so delighted with itself. Though Ireland's success at the 1990 World Cup occurred more than a decade before I was born, its impact on the country, and its surrounding culture, lives on.
Council Votes To End Discussion On Constitutional Review Early
Council Votes To End Discussion On Constitutional Review Early Image Credit: UCDSU The sixth UCDSU council of the year featured discussion on the union’s role in exam centres, the amount of flyers provided to election candidates and saw the council vote to end a discussion on the upcoming constitutional review early. Council votes to end discussion on Constitutional Review early The discussion around the upcoming UCDSU constitutional review was led by UCDSU President Michael Roche.
OTwo Interviews: Ezra Williams
Ezra Williams is a Wicklow-born singer-songwriter, now based in Cork. Their music has been featured in the Netflix series, Heartstopper. OTwo Editors Alice Keegan and Laura Molloy sat down with Ezra to discuss inspiration, the Irish music scene, and what the future may hold... Ezra Williams is a singer and songwriter from Greystones, Co Wicklow. Music was never the plan for Williams - they studied some piano lessons in their youth, but didn’t undertake any formal music education long term.
Three Members of Palestine Action End Hunger Strike
Three Members of Palestine Action End Hunger Strike Image Credit: Pexels OTwo Editor Alice Keegan discusses the end of the 73-day hunger strike undertaken by pro-Palestine activists. On Wednesday, 14 January, Kamren Ahmed, Heba Muraisi and Lewie Chiaramello, ended their hunger strike in a UK prison which lasted 73 days, claiming that their key demands had finally been met.
Is Charli XCX The Moment?
Is Charli XCX The Moment? Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons OTwo Editor Alice Keegan considers Charli XCX’s upcoming switch to cinema with her upcoming mockumentary, The Moment. Charli XCX’s upcoming hyperpop mockumentary The Moment is set to be released on the 30th of January. The film, produced through her own company Studio365, backed by A24, the independent film company powerhouse, is directed by Aidan Zamiri, written by Zamiri and Bertie Brandes.
What Will You Do with Your ‘Free Hour’? Probably Lose Sleep Over It
What Will You Do with Your ‘Free Hour’? Probably Lose Sleep Over It Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons OTwo Editor Alice Keegan considers the discourse surrounding Daylights Savings Time, from the health effects to the bureaucracy it involves. Remembering to change the clock on your car, being confused about whether we’ve gained an hour or lost one – what’s really the point of it all? The Daylight Savings Time clock change is implemented in Ireland, along with approximately 70 other countries.
Letter from the Editors: OTwo XXXII Issue 3
Letter from the Editors: OTwo XXXII Issue 3 We are back with our third issue of OTwo! We are back with our third issue of OTwo! We hope midterms are coming to a finish, rather than midterms are finishing you. It’s not long now till the fun of finals kicks in! (Seriously, get yourself to the library asap and lock in. Those seats will not be free till semester 2).
OTwo Editorial: Editors' Picks
OTwo Editorial: Editors' Picks Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons OTwo Editors' Picks from Issue 3! Laura’s pick Over the last few weeks I’ve been binge watching the TV show, Dawson’s Creek. The show first aired in 1998 and became one of the most influential teen dramas. Dawson's Creek has been credited with creating the format for modern teen dramas. The show focuses on relatable experiences and themes that teens and young people all over the world can relate to.
OTwo Interviews: Kemptwear
Kemptwear is an Irish menswear brand founded by Christian Lawlor and Ingrid O'Connell. OTwo Editors Alice Keegan and Laura Molloy chatted to Christian and Ingrid about Kemptwear's journey, sustainable fashion, and how inspiration can be found all around us. Christian Lawlor and Ingrid O’Connell are the founders of Irish menswear brand, Kemptwear. Lawlor grew up in Sandyford, Co Dublin, and attended Terenure College.
OTwo Interviews: Ava McKechnie
Ava McKechnie is a singer and songwriter from Greystones, Co Wicklow, and a recent graduate of BIMM University Brighton. OTwo Editors Alice Keegan and Laura Molloy chatted to her about her life, career, and her latest EP, Daydreaming, which released on October 10th. Ava discovered her passion for music from as young as the age of four. Despite having never studied music before college, Ava remembers her passion always being there.
The Conjuring Finale: Religious Horror in an Atheist World?
The Conjuring Finale: Religious Horror in an Atheist World? Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons OTwo Editor Alice Keegan explores the continuing appeal of religious horror in an increasingly secular society. The Conjuring first came onto cinema screens in 2013, and three films have followed it, with the most recent addition being The Conjuring: Last Rites, released on September 5th this year.
The Repercussions of the Charlie Kirk Shooting
The Repercussions of the Charlie Kirk Shooting Image Credit: Unsplash OTwo Editor Alice Keegan investigates the impact of Charlie Kirk’s death, from vilification of the left to the behaviour of his widow. He was “the voice of MAGA youth”, an equally derided and lauded figure in American modern culture. In an ever-fractioned state, the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death, particularly the public’s reactions are further proof that America is the most divided it has been since the Civil War.
Kneecap Prove That Politics Has A Place In Music
Kneecap Prove That Politics Has A Place In Music Image Credit: Alice Keegan OTwo Editor Alice Keegan breaks down the various and most recent controversies surrounding Kneecap’s open and unapologetic support of Palestine, and delves into the wider issue of the intersection of music and politics. Guess who’s back on the news, as the band would say themselves.
University Observer
We are back with our second issue of OTwo! The leaves are changing colour, and the deadline for changing modules has long passed. We really hope you’re enjoying your classes (and if you’re not please write about it to Agony Aunt!).
OTwo Interviews: Niamh Barry
Niamh Barry is a Dublin-based Irish photographer, videographer and documentary maker. In our first OTwo interview of the year, Alice Keegan and Laura Molloy chatted to Niamh about her life, career, and the growing industry of photography. Throughout Niamh’s career, she has shown a commitment to spotlighting queer artists and creatives.
Lingerie in the Light: The Naked Dress
Lingerie in the Light: The Naked Dress Image Credit: Polina Kovaleva via Pexels Fashion Editor Alice Keegan looks at the ‘naked dress’ - is it a tool of female empowerment, a bold move of liberation? Or is it bending to the male gaze? Just in the past few weeks, countless celebrities have graced the red carpet wearing next to nothing.
As Politics Turns Towards Conservatism, So Does Fashion
As Politics Turns Towards Conservatism, So Does Fashion Image Credit: Pai Pai via Unsplash Fashion Editor Alice Keegan explains how fashion reflects the world’s political state - from theories such as the ‘hemline index’ to Pretty Little Things’ rebrand. Whether you realise it or not, what you wear is reflective and inherently political. Looking at fashion in its current state, this may be for the worse.
Le Zeitgeist Flea Market: A Fashion Hot Spot in Dublin's Coolest Neighbourhood
Le Zeitgeist Flea Market: A Fashion Hot Spot in Dublin's Coolest Neighbourhood Image Credit: Lucy Warmington Fashion Editor Alice Keegan places the spotlight on Le Zeitgeist Flea Market in Phibsborough, Dublin. Le Zeitgeist Flea Market (also known as Bohemia Flea Market) is located in one of Dublin's most treasured neighbourhoods, Phibsborough, and should be at the top of your list of things to do in the city.
Rolling it Back: The Revival of Film and Digital Cameras
Rolling it Back: The Revival of Film and Digital Cameras Image Credit: Andrea Beyer-Fraile As retro and vintage aesthetics continue to gain popularity, Fashion Editor Alice Keegan comments on the resurgence of film and digital cameras, unravelling the nostalgic motivations behind the trend. In a time where we all carry a camera in our pockets, taking photos and videos has never been easier.
Sex, Drugs, and Runway: The Cosmic Career of Kate Moss
Sex, Drugs, and Runway: The Cosmic Career of Kate Moss Image Credit: Joachim Kupke via Wikimedia Commons "Kate Moss, She's A Rockstar in a Supermodel's Body" She was the fashion industry’s favourite infamous bad girl for over a decade, but her path to this point was anything less than desirable. London-born Kate Moss turns 51 this month and began her career at the young (and questionable) age of 14.
Bringing it all Back: Recycling for the Red Carpet
Bringing it all Back: Recycling for the Red Carpet Image Credit: Mick de Paola via Unsplash Fashion editor Alice Keegan discusses how an increasing number of celebrities and public figures have been opting for the pre-loved look for award shows and reputable events Designers and stylists usually wait in anticipation for the beginning of awards season. The red carpet is typically the place where custom-made pieces are displayed and praised.
Stylish Superstitions: Irish Traditions in Fashion
Stylish Superstitions: Irish Traditions in Fashion Image Credit: Ana Vieira via Pexels From shoes on the bed, to inside-out shirts, Fashion Editors Alice Keegan discusses various beliefs about style unique to Ireland, and considers their origins. Unique superstitions are ingrained in Irish people - saluting magpies, avoiding fairy forts, and black cats crossing roads.
The Windrush Generation and Black British Style
The Windrush Generation and Black British Style Image Credit: Notting Hill Carnival by David Sedlecky via Wikimedia Commons Fashion editor Alice Keegan explores the enormous legacy of the Windrush Generation, particularly the working-class immigrants’ impact on fashion, despite the discrimination they endured. When a ship carrying primarily Caribbean passengers docked near Essex in 1948, a voyage became a quest for better beginnings.
Black-Owned Irish Brands to Look Out For
Black-Owned Irish Brands to Look Out For Image Credit: Clem Onojeghuo via Unsplash Fashion editor Alice Keegan shines a spotlight on some of the best Black Irish brands in the fashion scene today. Ireland’s fashion scene is rapidly evolving, and this fashion month, there has been huge talk around contributions made by Irish designers.
Style Essentials for the Autumn Semester
Style Essentials for the Autumn Semester Image Credit: billow926 via Unsplash Fashion Editor Alice Keegan provides a complete guide of all the style essentials for your time at UCD It's back-to-school season, as we all know - we have enough Brightspace notifications to prove it. Whether you’re a first year just beginning your college experience or a final year desperately trying to not think about post-grad prospects, one thing that shouldn’t be stressful is crafting a capsule wardrobe.
Is the Fashion World Doing Enough to Strive for Sustainability?
Is the Fashion World Doing Enough to Strive for Sustainability? Image Credit: Aaron Ó Muircheartaigh Fashion Editor Alice Keegan critiques the various measures taken by fashion corporations to become more sustainable, and considers the ethics of holding smaller businesses to the same standard. Fashion has a poor reputation when it comes to sustainability - and rightfully so.
Paris Olympics in Fashion: Trés Trés Chic
Paris Olympics in Fashion: Trés Trés Chic Image Credit: Amaia Tahilramani Alice Keegan looks back on the fashion moments from the 2024 Paris Olympics The Paris 2024 Olympics may be over, but I’m certainly not over some of the incredible fashion moments from the Games. The competition has already been dubbed “the most fashionable Olympics”, and with conglomerate LVMH as its official sponsor, luxury fashion was at the forefront of the Games.
Prison Beauty Pageants- Empowering or Exploitative?
Prison Beauty Pageants- Empowering or Exploitative? Fashion Editor Alice Keegan delves deep into the phenomenon of beauty pageants in prisons. Fashion and beauty hardly interlink with state penitentiaries. However, there is a traceable history of beauty contests taking place in prisons across the globe.
Spilling The Tea on Drag Fashion’s History
Spilling The Tea on Drag Fashion’s History Fashion editor Alice Keegan retraces the history of drag fashion Drag fashion isn’t just wigs and striking makeup. It is an art form, a means for creative liberation, and a celebration of identity - a technicolour world of triumph. Its history is rich, each bright colour and sequin a symbol of resilience and proof of the triumph of the community that put it centre stage.
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