Know a local...
That way you can access limitless supplies of turf from the local's own plot as well as borrowing items such as toasters, TV's etc. Better if the local isn't home at New Years.
Buy a Thermarest and a good sleeping bag
Glenbeigh can get very cold (One year, a wet t-shirt froze to the inside of window pane - in fact, a TCD captain gobbed on the wall, classy fella that he was, and
that froze too). With a Thermarest and good sleeping bag, you never had to worry about being on the committee, shagging committee, being the only one in possession of the hash in order to get a bed. You'll be happy as Larry no matter what happens. I'd recommend the Basecamp Luxury model.
Bonus suggestion - If you can stretch to it, buy and bring two Thermarests. There'll be some cracking looking, non paddler of mate of a UCD Commerce fresher who's sleeping on a close cell foam mat and Dunnes Stores sleeping bag who'll be surprisingly accommodating with the thought of a comfortable night on a decent mattress ahead of her.
Bring a Locksmith - self explanatory really
Freshers - Get out on the water every day
If there's rain, it'll be likely that the leaders will be off on big rivers every day and if there's no rain, they'll be very very drunk. Don't waste the week. If there's surf, get out there. If there's only small waves, go out anyway in a play boat or squirt - something you wouldn't normally paddle. Practice your rolling. Salt water is more buoyant than fresh water so it will be marginally easier to get your technique right.
Bonus suggestion - pour boiling water in your booties before you head out.
Finally, and most importantly
Respect the village and the locals
Don't think that because you spend some cash in Glenbeigh that this gives you the right to behave like it cvnt - it doesn't. Glenbeigh is a tourist village and people come there to spend money all year round, most, a hell of a lot more than the paddlers so bed nice - ALL THE TIME.
PS -
Jacks in Cromane
If you've got a spare €100 to spend on dinner, I can thoroughly recommend Jacks in Cromane but to book first..