Dick Langford (b. 1941), former CEO, Cork City VEC (part 1)

In this recording Dick Langford initially recalls his Kerry roots, and his father’s involvement in Ireland’s struggle in the early part of the twentieth century in Kerry. Dick Langford was born into a family of four boys and two girls in Waterford city and was educated at De La Salle College. He discusses his mentors there and their very positive influence on him. He studied for his degrees in Arts and Commerce, and began his teaching career in Birr in 1963. He has great memories of his days in Birr and of his principalship which he attained in 1965. In 1967 a report was published by a steering committee which explored the possibility of establishing RTCs around the country. This led to the setting up of five colleges, and was the dawn of a new and challenging era in the sphere of Irish education. In 1970 Dick Langford was appointed principal of the RTC in Waterford and in 1974 he became CEO of the VEC there.