Introducing Thor McVeigh, our new auditor!

Who are you? I AM THOR. I am in the third year of my Ph. D. here in Galway. I am researching the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age period.

Why are you here? I am a lovechild. 

That explains it all. Whatever the reason, you're here and you're an archaeologist. What are your main aims as auditor this year?

I want to create awareness of the society. I am really hoping to improve our inter-society relationships and make our programme more diverse.

How are you going to get people interested this year? 

Ok, well we have a few different things, for a start. This year's schedule includes a more diverse lecture series featuring some scientific stuff like facial reconstruction, aDNA but also conflict archaeology, for example. We have some recognisable names like Time Team archaeologist Phil Harding. We've got international archaeologists John Bintliff, Stewart Ainsworth, and Mike Parker Pearson. One other thing we are changing is the types of events we are hosting - like a film night (Indiana Jones oh yeah), a 20's themed night, a toga party. We're joining up with other socs lots for this stuff too! Our international trip is likely to go to Czech Republic, which Archsoc hasn't done before.

Which event are you most excited about?

Ah, it's hard to pick out one thing! Phil Harding's flint-knapping demonstration is exciting. I'm hoping our more diverse programme will show people that we can have fun and be fun. Some have even said it's 'possibly the best [schedule] the society has had in memory.'

Speaking of Time Team, who is your fav?

Well, I do love Phil Harding's hat, but I will miss the late Mick Aston and his stripey jumpers.

I think anyone who watched the show could agree he will be missed. The hats and jumpers are fab; what makes archaeology so sexy, tell me?The girls tell me it's Conor Newman the silver fox & Eugene (our PRO). Personally, I'd say Bettany Hughes. (Ed: for anyone who doesn't know, she's television's hot historian.)

And that's why you want to be auditor, to liaise with all of these sexy people? 

Yes... but I am aware that there is a need for the society to be run by undergrads again. Our committee has recruited a few UG students and I have lots of ideas that are more relevant to undergrads so I hope that the society can become stronger with my help and input over the coming year.

Now for the big question, what is your favourite dinosaur?

Triceratops.

Me too! I think that's the end of that, time for a pint I think! Thanks, Thor.

For more info on Archsoc, you can check our Facebook page, Twitter or Socs page on the SU website. Alternatively look for us in the College Bar. It's really near the Socsbox so it counts as working, right?

https://www.facebook.com/ArchSocNUI
https://twitter.com/ArchSocNUIG