KEVIN SULLIVAN, BORN 1947, SENIOR LECTURER IN MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY, KEVIN STREET

Kevin Sullivan was born in Finglas in Dublin and following his early education he gained employment as a diesel fitter mechanic with CIE. He also attended evening classes in Bolton Street for four years from 1962. He was awarded a scholarship in 1966 to continue his studies, graduating four years later in mechanical engineering. From 1970 – 1972 he worked as part-time lecturer in Bolton Street, while working on his Master’s degree in Trinity College. In 1972 he was appointed lecturer in the Ulster Polytechnic college, and in 1974 he moved to Dundalk RTC, and later to Kevin Street, where he is now based. He discusses writing the syllabus for new programmes and the challenges of his job in the early days. He was a staff-elected member of the Academic Council from 1983 – 1993, becoming Chairman in 1989. While there he lobbied very strongly for improvements in the educationsl facilities within the City of Dublin VEC. He also discusses his membership in a trade union, and his commitment to the work of the trade unions.