Michael Carlin
- Childhood and Early Life
- Adolescence and Early Adulthood
- Marriage and Family
- Work and Employment
- Retirement
- Reflections
Description
This exhibit displays the life stories and memories of Michael Carlin. Michael spent his childhood in Newry and his stories share his memories of growing up in the 1950's.
Michael remembers his teenage years in the 1960's. He describes the revolutionary times in which he came of age and notes that the cafe culture was thriving in Newry. The most significant feature of this period in Michael's life was the beginning of his passion for music. A passion that he carried forth in his professional life as he worked in the family record and home entertainment business.
In 1970 Michael married Joan; a Co. Kildare woman and they set up their home and family in Newry.
Credits
McTiernan, K. & O'Donnell, D. (2012) Life Histories Archive, http://www.lifehistoriesarchive.com/exhibits/show/michael-carlin
Sections
Childhood and Early Life
This section of the exhibit is concerned with the childhood and early life of Michael. He grew in Newry in the 1950s and enjoyed playing football in the streets of his neighbourhood.
He remembers visiting his grandmother in the countryside where he would play with animals and run through the fields.
Michael describes his memories of school and how certain teachers were fond of using corporal punishment.
Adolescence and Early Adulthood
The stories represented in this section share Michael's memories of adolescence and early adulthood. He remembers leaving school early to live and work in the real world.
He describes his experience of adolescence in Newry on the cusp of the 1960s. He enjoyed the Newry music scene and cafe culture.
Marriage and Family
In this section of the exhibit Michael Carlin shares his memories of marriage and family.
He recalls his courtship with his wife and describes their wedding and honeymoon.
He describes his family life and notes his close relationship with his grandchildren. He reflects on using new technologies such as skype in order to keep contact with his granddaughter in New York.
Work and Employment
This section of the exhibit details Michael's memories of work and employment. He began working at a young age in the family business, a record and home entertainment store. He describes his passion for the music industry and how he enjoyed building up the business over the years.
Retirement
This section of the exhibit is concerned with Michael's memories of retirement. He describes how he found it difficult to give up work in a business he was so passionate about.
Since retiring Michael has been involved in many activities, notably joining the University of the Third Age and pursuing his interest in writing and reporting.
Reflections
This section of the exhibit provides the reflections of Michael as he looks back on his life so far. He describes how proud he is of his daughters and the values he has always tried to live his life by. He also reflects on the many cultural, professional and charitable organisations he has participated in.