'Put a microphone under my nose or a TV Camera in my face and I became a new man. '

'Put a microphone under my nose or a TV Camera in my face and I became a new man. '

Michael Carlin reflects on his interest in writing. When he was younger he wrote a music column for the Newry Telegraph, and now that he is retired he has joined the U3A and continues to enjoy writing and reporting. Michael also remembers his time as a PRO for the Newry Chamber of Trade, trying to encourage cross-boarder shopping. He now enjoys his time with the U3A and looks forward to travelling in the future.

Michael Carlin

Trinity College Dublin

2010

This item is protected by original copyright

This content may be downloaded and used (with attribution) for research, teaching or private study. It may not be used for commercial purposes without permission.

Michael Carlin

Retirement

Life Story

Newry, Co. Down

2010s

I have always had a thirst for knowledge so one of the first things that I did when I reduced my work load was - I joined the U3A. Now, that was a good decision. I love the two classes I joined, the 'Life Story writing Group' and 'Radio for Seniors'.Writing has always interested me and, shortly after I joined my father in Carlin Records, I began writing a weekly music column for the Newry Telegraph. I did this for 10 years until the paper was taken over by the Newry Reporter, by which time I was married and had other priorities. Since joining U3A, I contribute a monthly piece on the Centre's activities to the Newry Reporter.In my role as PRO of the Newry Chamber of Trade at the height of the cross border shopping boom, I was on constant call to all the major broadcast media outlets both north and south. Talk about an adrenalin rush! Put a microphone under my nose or a TV Camera in my face and I became a new man.Through the U3A I can now indulge both of these passions and, of course, I have met a lot of new people which is an extra bonus.Looking to the future, I would like to use my free time to travel more - Russia, China and Cuba are on my list; try to discipline myself to read more (not just on holiday) and set aside time to visit extended family, old friends and neighbours.

Irish Research Council for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)