Agallamh le hIntern BLOC TG4

Le Caitríona Ní Chonaill Agus SMEDIAS 2024 ag obair le BLOC TG4 mar uarraitheoir i mbliana, chuireamar agallamh ar Intern BLOC TG4, Saoirse Nic Aogáin chun foghlaim faoin bhfo-bhranda agus cad a chuireann siad ar fáil don dhuine óg.  Cad is BLOC TG...

Podchraoladh nua “Gafa” ag BLOC TG4!

Le Caitríona Ní Chonaill Gaeilgeoirí, éistígí suas! Tá podchraoladh úr nua Gaeilge chuid BLOC TG4 a lainseáladh inniu darbh ainm GAFA, le Sinéad Ní Chuinn agus Rút Ní Theimhneáin! Rud nua do BLOCTG4 atá sa phodchraoladh seo, agus an chéad eagrán “Slán 2...

How the Irish Examiner helped achieve Catholic Emancipation

By Sarah Donoghue  It is often said that newspapers are pivotal in the history of this country. Newspapers were very important in the fight for Irish independence. Local and Republican newspapers acted as the voice of the people when the mainstream me...
International Youth Photo Competition

How To Use Your Canon Camera Like A Pro – As A Beginner

By Sarah Donoghue We here at Oxygen.ie and SMEDIAs 2024 are pleased to announce that Canon will be working with us to sponsor a category in this year’s awards! Canon Cameras have been around since the early 1930s and are the brand most people think of w...

The Future of Journalism in a Digital World

by Ruth Cawley We live in a predominantly digital society where new technological advancements are embraced and public interests are constantly in flux. In response to these changes, the art of journalism will doubtlessly experience more innovation and exp...

How Virgin Media Came to Be

By Sarah Donoghue  Virgin Media is one of the biggest telecommunications companies across the UK and Ireland, however, without the Vietnam war and a lost necklace the media mogul would not exist. The Virgin Group is the parent organisation of 46 companies....

Top Irish Film Festivals in 2024

By Ruth Cawley Screen Ireland will be featured in several prominent film festivals in 2024, all based in Ireland. These events are lined up to showcase interesting and daring new submissions from acclaimed and newcomer filmmakers and offer industry profess...

The History of the Irish Independent

By Sarah Donoghue The Irish Independent – Ireland's most popular news website, trailblazing platform for local news, and sponsor of a category for the 2024 SMEDIAS Awards. The Irish Independent is a household name in Ireland, it's the go-to place for all t...

5 Chlár Iontach ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta..agus fógra mór!

Le Caitríona Ní Chonaill Agus tú ar do shlí chun na hoibre, na soithí á ní agat nó ar shiúlóid chun beagáinín Vitimín D a fháil sula n-imíonn an ghrian uainn arís, is iontach comhluadar a bheith agat sna cluasáin. Cén slí níos fearr é sin a dhéanamh ná tiú...

What is Coimisiún na Meán?

by Caitríona Ní Chonaill We here at the National Student Media Awards and Oxygen.ie are pleased to announce Coimisiún na Meán as a sponsor this year, continuing on from their sponsorship of the SMEDIA Awards in 2023.  But what is Coimisiún na Meán? The ...

SMEDIAS 2024 Categories

The National Student Media Awards are fast approaching, and here are the categories for this year! Entries will open on the 26th of February 2024 and will close on the 7th of March 2024. Get writing! Collaborative Journalism of the Year Short Story of ...

5 Ways To Manage Uncertainty at University

by Amy Jones The student world is a complicated one. On one hand, you have been granted this amazing opportunity to study for a degree of your choice. On the other hand, you might be facing a degree of uncertainty whether this is what you want to pursue. T...

Young Musicians To Keep An Eye On!

By Sarah Donoghue  Are you interested in getting into the Dublin indie music scene? Do you want to support local bands but don't know where to start? Do you just want an excuse to hang around the grand social club? These 4 indie artists are just ...

Small Self-Care Tips To Give You a Confidence Boost!

by Amy Jones Let's be real, sometimes when we are not looking our best, it can mean that we do not feel our best. Especially whilst trying to juggle university, a part-time job, and everything else that causes chaos. Slacking in our self-care routines is t...

Science Week 2023 & SFI SMEDIAS Announcement!

Science Week 2023 is taking place this week, from the 12th-19th November with events happening all over the country to help celebrate science in our everyday lives. From tours, talks, escape rooms, exhibitions and more, there’s an event for everyone of all ag...

The SMEDIAS are back!

The SMEDIAs are back for 2024! We are proud to announce that BOOST Drinks are bringing the energy by becoming Title Sponsor of the 2024 awards. Boost Drinks offer great tasting energy stimulation, sport hydration and iced coffee drinks to help you take on ...

3 Simple Ways To Look After Your Finances As A Student

by Amy Jones Starting university is a big step for many students and, for a number of new students, this is the first time that they are responsible for their own finances. It’s important that, as a new student, you take some steps toward becoming financia...

The Realities of Travelling on a Budget 

by Sarah Donoghue Travelling is seen as a rite of passage for college students, however, travelling on a budget is a lot less glamourous than the magazines would have you believe. Despite this, my cheap trips away have provided me with some ...

The ultimate Irish winter fashion guide

                                  By Niamh Dobbs Winter is coming and you know what that means for us folks in Ireland, freezing cold temperatures and catastrophic weather. However, do not let that stop you from serving looks. Here are a few tips to ...

Daisy Jones & The Six: The Hottest New ‘Retro’ Rock Band

by Ruth Cawley *Spoilers included!* How can a band be both new and retro at the same time? Daisy Jones & The Six manages to be simultaneously fresh and nostalgic by following the story of a fictional seventies rock band that somewhat reminiscent of ...

A guide to saving with the Dunnes Stores App

by Caitríona Ní Chonaill Are you a student looking to save some money as you start the new semester? Look no further than the Dunnes Stores App! Here, I’ll walk you through how to set up the app and the benefits of the app for students everywhere. Down...

What nobody tells you about moving out for college

by Niamh Dobbs With college freshers just around the corner, the anxiety can begin to creep in. Especially for those who are moving out of their family homes. While it is an extremely exciting time of your life it is not all that easy. College can be ro...

The Best Films to watch in Autumn

by Caitríona Ní Chonaill It's September 1st and for all my autumn girls, that means one thing - it's time to bring out the cosy autumn films! Here's a list to inspire your fall watch list: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban Beetlejuice ...

We’re looking for brand ambassadors – and we want you!

Are you a college student based in Dublin, Galway, Cork or Limerick? Are you chatty, outgoing, bubbly, and looking for some easy part-time work? We want to talk to you! We will be bringing our Goodie Bag campaign to college campuses around the country ...

Meet the girl band taking Ireland by storm: Florence Road 

By Sarah Donoghue  Many fans of The Academic are well acquainted with the Irish girl group Florence Road. The group, comprised of four sixth year students, has become The Academic's regular supporting act, propelling them to success. Just on...

How To Deal With Post-Grad Blues

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill You’ve received your results from your degree – congratulations! You’ve put the work in and you have the numbers on the piece of paper to prove it. But what now? With your relatives asking you “what’s next?” and the existential dre...

Arctic Monkeys announce new dates in Ireland for end of 2023 tour

If you were one of those disappointed by the cancellation of the Arctic Monkey’s dates earlier this year, rejoyce! The band have announced 4 new dates at the end of their tour in Dublin and Belfast, joined by Miles Kane as special guests. The band explaine...

The 6 Stages of a College Night Out

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill We all know the text, right? You’ve settled down for the night in front of Netflix, when your phone lights up – “You coming out tonight?” You think about it, but your FOMO won’t let you stay at home if you know there’s fun to be ha...

The Joy of The Little Things

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill If you’re struggling to feel like yourself, it is often recommended to go back to what you used to enjoy in childhood – be that reading, drawing, painting, arts and crafts or watching your favourite comfort tv shows – and to take n...

5 Worries to Overcome When Learning To Drive

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill Are you learning to drive and finding it to be a scary and difficult experience? Same. Not everyone has the same skillset to be able to pick up driving at the same time, and not everyone passes their test on their first go and zoom...

Taylor Swift Announces 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

by Caitríona Ní Chonaill Swifties listen up! Taylor Swift announced the release of her new album, a rerelease of her 1989 album. After much speculation on part of the fans, Swift announced at her last Eras show in Los Angeles that she will be releasing...

Essential College Room Decor Additions To Make It True To You

By Amy Jones Moving into a new uni room is one thing, but creating a space that you love is another. Let's be honest, most uni rooms are not exactly 5-star accommodations, but they do have the potential to be elevated into a space that is not only comforti...

Swiftie Ticket Mania: Europe Edition

by Emma Rouine After the announcement of the European leg of the Eras tour, fans' excitement was soon overshadowed. This was due to the impending fear of the Ticketmaster sales. The ticket handling of Swift's tour proves that the ticketing giant has taken ...

17 Films to watch on a Rainy Day

Looking for a cosy film to watch when it's lashing rain outside? Look no further! Which of these choices would be your favourite? Let us know below! The Pirates Of The Carribean Bedknobs and Broomsticks Paddington Singing in the Ra...

How To Deal with the Transition from University to Adulthood

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill You’ve received your results from your degree – congratulations! You’ve put the work in and you have the numbers on the piece of paper to prove it. But what now? With your relatives asking you “what’s next?” and the existential dre...

Good Omens Season 2 Review: A Sizzling Slow Burner

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill *spoilers included* We get a tantalising treat of a series in which we get far more of Crowley and Aziraphale’s backstory, a confusing tale involving the Archangel Gabriel and more teasing scenes between our two maybe-maybe-not ...

The Best Euro Summer Countries To Visit on a Budget!

By Amy Jones If you have yet to hear about the ‘Euro Summer’ trend that has been circulating across the internet, then it is time to get to know it! Predominately a craze that has surfaced from Americans discovering that Europe has some beautiful places, p...

To Read or Not To Read – Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill This was an absolute rollercoaster of a read, and I had seen it recommended so many times I had to see what the hype was about! June, a writer, is friends with a far more successful author friend Athena but has always been jealous ...

How Keeping a Journal Can Change Your Life

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill Do you lie awake at night at the end of a long day, mind racing with thoughts going round and round but with no resolution and nowhere to go? Do you find yourself bottling up your emotions, unable to release the pent-up tension, fo...

Why Are Gen-Zs Ditching Their Studies And Travelling Instead?

by Amy Jones It's 2023, and now more than ever, students are struggling to find the motivation to stick to their courses and get their university degrees. Of course, university is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many people do not even get the opportu...

How to Prioritise Fitness for Students on a Budget

By Amy Jones Being the healthiest version of yourself, whilst also being a student, is not often said in the same sentence. Whilst we all have a good understanding of how important our health is as young adults, it is easy to let health and fitness take a ...

Podcasts you should listen to in your twenties

By Caitríona Ni Chonaill Stuck for something to listen to while driving, or even just on a walk, I’ve got you covered. These are some of my favourite podcasts in order to learn and entertain! Two Broke Chicks Best friends Sal and Al share their a...

The Witcher Series 3 Volume 1 – What to Expect (Spoiler Free)

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill Like the rest of the Henry Cavill fans, I am currently making my way through the newly released Series 3 of The Witcher series on Netflix, before we lose our favoured (and original) version of Geralt, with Liam Hemsworth taking ove...

How to cope if you haven’t got Taylor Swift tickets yet.

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill With a new Dublin date added for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, it’s all over Instagram, it’s all anyone can talk about on Twitter – did you get the all-important email to be able to get Taylor Swift tickets today? If not, then don’t de...

Why shopping second-hand is better for you (and the planet!)

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill We’ve all seen the TikToks of girls buying many a Shein haul to start off the summer, only to send half of the items back and then bin them when summer is over. The over-consumption of the fashion industry is just one of the damagi...

10 #BookTok books that are worth the hype!

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill These are the BookTok books that are worth reading – from someone who’s read them all! The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller I'm not going to lie, I really didn't think I would like this book that much, having never bee...

Seanfhocail to use for your next Instagram caption 

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill We all know the common seanfhocal (old Irish proverb) you’re taught in Irish class: “aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile” and “is glas iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn”, but there are far more out there than the ones you were given to learn off...

7 Ways to Beat the Summer Boredom

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill Summer is well and truly here, and if you're not working or travelling for the summer, you may be stuck twiddling your thumbs at home. Here are some fun things you can do at home during the summer: 1. Learn a new skill: Pick...

ISIC Student Card Giveaway!

Want to win yourself a new form of ID, so you don't have to worry about losing your passport or driving licence? International Student Identity Cards have you covered and you can win one for free! Head over to the ISIC Ireland Instagram https://www.ins...

How To Use More Irish This Summer

Looking to use your cúpla focal this summer and improve your Gaeilge? Caitríona Ní Chonaill has some ideas to help you use the Irish you do have, and feel comfortable with it! Change your username on Instagram to Irish: You may have noticed people on ...

The harsh reality of summer FOMO

By Millie Reid FOMO, or, fear of missing out, seems to come hand-in-hand with the uneasiness that can arisefrom the holidays, specifically summer fun in general. FOMO is now bigger than ever becauseyou can't escape viewing other people's plans on social me...

Andrew Tate charged with rape and human trafficking

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill Controversial internet personality Andrew Tate, along with his brother Tristan and two other suspects, has today been charged by the Romanian authorities with rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit...

Love Island 2023 – recap of the best drama so far!

With 5 bombshells already having entered the villa, the first tears having been shed and the first fights being had, Caitríona Ní Chonaill has a look back at the two weeks of drama we’ve had so far! Day One drama: Upon being coupled up together, it ...

How to reduce your anxiety while waiting for exam results

The Leaving Cert is nearly over, college exams are done with and now the dreaded waiting period begins. You can keep yourself up at night going round and round in your head imagining all the possible scenarios in which things may not go as you wanted, especia...

COP30: An Amazonian Affair

By Gabriela Gazaniga In late May 2023, the United Nations officially selected Brazil to host the 2025 climate summit. A country known for its picturesque environment and biodiversity, Brazil’s urban development fuelled by international pressures have signi...

The only ID you’ll need for festivals this summer!

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill We all know the worry – you need an ID to get into an event, but which one to take? With a driving licence or a passport, there’s always the worry it will get lost, and you won’t have it when needed. Well, have we got the soluti...

A Spoiler-Free Review of The Ultimatum: Queer Love

By Gabriela Gazaniga Dating reality TV shows have long been our society’s collective guilty pleasure. There isnothing we thrive off more than watching romantic drama unfold with no personalconsequences, extremely detached from our own lives. How else has o...

Top 3 Travel Destinations For Students This Summer

College is done for the summer, exams are over and you’re ready to head off on your travels… but where to go? Caitríona Ní Chonaill gives her top picks on the best travel destinations for students, whether you’re looking for a city break, a sunny getaway, or ...

5 Things to Do this June Bank Holiday Weekend

Looking for a cool event or day out over the long weekend? Caitríona Ní Chonaill has you covered! Bingo Loco XXL (June 4th) Bingo Loco is coming to Cork! Its first time being held at Live at the Marquee, this will be held on Sunday June 4th.  Ther...

From Elf Bars to EVALI: The Dark Side of Vaping

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill With Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly bringing the finalised bill to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to under 18s to Cabinet for approval today, Caitríona Ní Chonaill takes a closer look at what makes vapes so harmful – and why yo...

5 Of The Hottest Books To Read This Summer!

By Caitríona Ní Chonaill We’ve all had them show up on our TikTok FYP, right? Perfectly shot aesthetic BookTok recommendations, making us feel bad that we’ve been scrolling for the past hour curled up in the fetal position. I’m here to tell you which ones ...

What You Should Be Wearing To Festivals In 2023

By Amy Jones Festival season is well underway, with Glastonbury and Coachella coming up. Every year, festivals always amaze us with stunning outfits and new fashion trends at each festival. However, there is the occasional tragic outfit that people wear an...

Sober Curious? Join the club!

Sober Sallys first sober curious event 22/05/2023 By Caitríona Ní Chonaill Do you ever get sick of the constant weekend cycle – go out Friday and Saturday but spend Sunday nursing a hangover? Have nights out you can’t remember because you were too drunk...

Surviving Valentine’s Day for Broke Students

Well, well, well. It's that time of the year again. Valentine's Day. Every broke student's nightmare, especially if they're in a relationship. It can be a time of loneliness, stress, and well... unnecessary pressure. Here are six things that can make your Val...

SMEDIAs 2023 Submissions Announcement

As the opening date of submissions for the 2023 SMEDIAs is rapidly approaching, we're changing the format in which you submit your articles. We are no longer accepting PDFs. We ask that either, include a link to the article online or you include a link to the...

What Even is the ‘Female Gaze’?

The patriarchy permeates every aspect of life, and film and media are no exception. With the second wave of feminism, came feminist critique of our institutions and culture. Feminist theorists coined the term ‘female gaze’ in response to Laura Mulvey’s articl...

Hey, Gossip Girl Reboot, You Good?

Adapting a beloved piece of culture with a large following, less than a decade after its last episode premiered is inevitably going to raise a few eyebrows. The producers, directors and cast of the show are most likely not going to be given the benefit of the...

Thrifting for Dummies

Whether you want to save some money, shop more ethically or just become a fashion girlie, thrifting is the way to go. While thrift stores have existed for decades, only recently has the stigma of shopping at these stores been reduced. The process and rate of ...

The Erasmus Diaries: Chapter 4

I am currently being snowed under by assignments and exams that I was only made aware of a week before they happen. I never thought that I would miss Irish bureaucracy but after my third letter from the CAF (student housing assistance) informing me that my do...

‘Normalise’ Hating Mental Health TikTok

Let me ‘normalise’ something for you. Mental Health TikTok is triggering, spreads misinformation, and dilutes the legitimacy of diagnoses and symptoms. At first, it was incredible, to see a such platform being used to discuss mental illness and mental health....

The Erasmus Diaries: Chapter 3

A smile is universal. When confronted by German ticket inspectors, make your eyes wide and fill with tears and plead complete ignorance. Walk to the top of the steps even though you don’t want to because the view will be worth it.  For the Halloween b...

Twitter is in the Sh*tter

After almost a year of keeping us guessing, Elon Musk finally took over Twitter and became the company's chief executive officer. This marks the fourth company where he holds this position. You’d be forgiven for wondering what CEOs actually do all day if one ...

8 Ways to Claim Your Sanity Back for Students

Keeping happy, healthy, and sane in college is a much tougher job than you might think. Life is busy, and keeping on top of everything can be exhausting when you’re not sure where to begin. Looking after your mental and physical health is key. Try these eight...

‘Sex in the’ University

Welcome to college, home of students who love to drink, party, and have sex, as typical as it sounds. You hear of the saying, ‘sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll’, but have you heard the saying, ‘sex, drugs, and showing up late to your lectures’? Here’s everythin...

Your Concert Survival Guide

I know concerts are one of my favourite places on earth - you’re surrounded by people who enjoy the same music as you, watching an artist perform their songs, being able to forget about reality for a few hours. And with the number of tours being announced, it...

Don’t Worry Darling: You Could Have Done Better

Amongst talks of spitting at its Venetian premiere, onset feuds, and the most troubled post-production history known to man, Don’t Worry Darling had quite a lot to be, well, worried about. The second directorial feature from Olivia Wilde (the first being the ...

The Erasmus Diaries: Chapter 2

It is now October and life is slowly beginning to make sense here. In a way, time has seemed simultaneously so fast and so slow. It is only October, but I have submitted my first assignment, my parents are visiting in a couple of weeks and for the most part, ...

Podcast of the Year

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. Awarded to the student(s) who presented the best student podcast. The show can be on a topic of your choosing i.e. Sport, current affairs, culture, business, technology etc. but the podcast mu...

Journalist Of The Year – National Media

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. This award is open to students who have managed to get their work published in the national media during the academic year. Submit one to three articles published in national media since F...

Colour Writer Of The Year

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. This is awarded to the finest writer of features with a particularly satirical slant and distinctly humourous tone. Imagination and wit are key. Submit three articles published in student m...

Magazine Of The Year

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. Awarded to one publication produced either as a once-off (e.g. rag mag) or regular publication. Open to any college magazine. Submit three links to three issues (except in cases where the p...

Photographer Of The Year

Applications are open from March 1st, 2023. Awarded to one individual for an outstanding sample of photography produced since February 2022. The judges will be looking for excellence in composition, subject matter and startling images. This category sh...

News Photographer Of The Year

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. Awarded to the photographer who best captures news events and current affairs on camera, produced since February 2022. The work should either have been published in the student press OR be the...

Radio DJ(s) Of The Year

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. NB: Can also apply as a duo or group of DJs. Awarded to the student(s) who present the best music show broadcast on student radio. The show may also include chat and/or interviews, but some elemen...

Radio Production Of The Year – News & Current Affairs

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. Awarded to the best radio production covering news and current affairs. This can include news broadcasts, panel discussions, interviews and other news and current affairs related shows. Must b...

Radio Production Of The Year – Arts & Features

All applications for this category are open on March 1st, 2023. Awarded to the best radio production covering the arts, culture and entertainment. This can include magazine shows, comedy programmes, drama, non-news documentaries, arts coverage, interviews ...

Everything you need to know about Safer Internet Day 

by Sarah Donoghue We here at Oxygen.ie and SMEDIAs 2024 are pleased to announce that Coimisiúin na Meáin will be working with us to sponsor a category in this year's awards.    Coimisiúin na Meáin is a g...

Newspaper Of The Year Submission Guidelines 2024

Awarded to the newspaper that sustains the highest quality of journalism, editorial standards, production values, and overall professionalism despite budgetary and other limitations. Submit three links to three issues of the newspaper published since Febru...

Editor Of The Year Submission Guidelines 2024

Awarded to the editor of any publication to show commitment, enthusiasm, and editorial insight as reflected by the publication. Submit three links to three issues published since February 2023. If you have any problems with submitting your work get in touc...

Photographer Of The Year

Awarded to one individual for an outstanding sample of photography produced since February 2023. The judges will be looking for excellence in composition, subject matter and startling images. This category should not be confused with News Photographer of t...