John O’Shea (part 1)

John O’Shea recalls his background in this recording. He was raised in Summerhill South, and he describes his early childhood and listening to gramophone records being played repeatedly by his father. John himself went on to build up a large collection of records which he carefully acquired over the years. Educated by the Presentation Brothers in Chriost Rí, his first encounter with the theatre came about when he was brought to the Grand Variety Concerts, in all the venues in the city. It is interesting to hear him speak about the Film Society, of which he and his father were members. He joined a theatre company, and travelled with them to drama festivals in various towns and cities. He speaks about the other theatre companies in Cork, and his own contribution to a drama group in UCC. He returned to teach in the same school in which he was educated, which he declares was a great experience. John ponders his lost opportunities, which would have brought him directly into the acting world as a producer. However, he is proud to have been involved in sixty productions over ten busy years.