Eamonn McCarthy, b. 1942

Track 1: Background and early education in Cork city. In 1960 entered Clonliffe College and was ordained to the priesthood in 1967. His first posting as both Chaplain to the Convent in Sion Hill College and as Chaplain and priest-teacher at Ringsend Vocational School 1967–1973. Track 2: In 1970 undertook BMus studies in Trinity College – which subsequently proved too big a task – under Professor Brian Boydell (who is recorded in the Irish Life and Lore Aloys Fleischmann Oral History Collection). In 1973 appointed Chaplain to Trinity, working with Fr Brendan Heffernan, who was himself the first Chaplain to Trinity. Memories of many conversations with Fr Brendan. Track 3: His position as a Roman Catholic priest in Trinity at this time and memories of opposition from some quarters. The facilities which Church of Ireland and Catholic worshippers shared. Track 4: His Chaplaincy offices and common room in No. 27 Botany Bay, and later move to a second office in the basement of 182 Pearse Street. Track 5: From 1979, with a new colleague on the team, he instigated a new approach to Chaplaincy: that of a ‘personalised parish’, using the concept of TCD and those who worked and studied there as a parish, and seeking to promote ecumenism and inclusivity among the community of Trinity. However, his successor in 1983 reverted to the traditional model. Track 6: He now serves the pastoral needs of a community in the west of Co. Wicklow. Discusses his sporting activities.