College to probe claims students ate live goldfish
One student developed a bowel infection and had to be put on a course of antibiotics following the stunt, which was part of Fresher’s Week celebrations at the National College of Ireland in Dublin’s Docklands.
A tropical animal expert has warned that goldfish “could carry tuberculosis” and an array of potential dangerous infections.
Senior management at NCI sharply criticised the ingesting of the goldfish and said that they would be investigating the event under the college’s internal disciplinary procedures.
The iron stomach competition was organised by the students’ unions.
Last night, its president, Peter McDonnell, confirmed the event was organised independently of the college. They said all participants were over the age of 18 and entered the competition willingly.
“The union regrets the nature of this competition and fully accepts that it was wholly inappropriate. We will be co-operating fully with investigations into the matter,” he said.
Director of student recruitment at NCI, Robert Ward, said they were taking the competition “seriously from an animal welfare and student welfare issue”.
“Had we known of this competition, absolutely no way would we have allowed it to take place.”
Gary Redmond, the president of the Union of Students of Ireland, said they were also unaware of live goldfish and raw chicken being eaten as part of iron stomach events.
“This is not indicative of the events that happen across the country. I would have an awful lot of concerns about what happened. This should have gone through traditional health and safety procedures,” he said.
