Interview with Aonghus Mc Anally.

Aonghus, Brendan, Aloysius Mc Anally.

I was born in Hollis Street Hospital in Dublin on June 20 1955.

Mr.Lowe, who was just beginning his teaching career, taught me in St.Joesph's Fairview. He was young, bright and humorous with a good line between fairness, discipline and happy pupils. I am not surprised that he became principal of a major school like this.

One of the biggest differences is in the availabilty of audio-visual and information technology. When we were young, we did not have videos or computers.

I think they get a better education now because firstly, when I was at school corporal punishment was still in use, and the Christian Brothers gave us a few slaps, every now and then, some of which were possibly deserved. Secondly, the use of I.T. and audio-visual library greatly increases the standard of education today.

I am absolutely delirious in my work. I love the fact that I get paid to do the things that I love. Some of my old school friends, that I met recently, hate the work they do and only stay working for the money. Obviously, money is important, but I also enjoy the work I do in television, theatre, film, music, concerts and comedy. It is a fantastic bonus!

As I absolutely love snooker, it would have to be Stephen Hendry or Steve Davis and to play in the World Championship Final in Sheffield.

I would do exactly what my parents did with our family. Even though my father, Ray McAnally, and my mother, Ronnie Masterson, were wonderful actors and we grew up in an atmosphere of theatre and television, they allowed us to decide for ourselves. Similarly, my two sons, Aonghus Og and Andrew, who already show an interest in the arts, will be free to follow their own dreams.

Firstly, I wanted to be a truck driver in Dublin Airport. This lasted for six months until I discovered music. Then all I wanted was to be in a rock band.

Animals! Sadly for me, I hate all pets...I can't stand cats, dogs, gerbils, mice or hamsters.

There is very little I would change as I think Portmarnock has the best of everything. It has a great leisure centre, great schools, good hotels, great beach and green areas. It is a great community. It would be good to have a bank in the immediate area.

I've lived in Portmarnock since 1978 and my wife, Billie, and I agree that we would move only to another area within Portmarnock.

I would really like to make a century break in snooker...my highest so far is 99! I want to complete my pilot's licence course. Finally, I would like to have a long, happy, peaceful and successful family life and career.

My Dad, who is now dead, was Ray McAnally and he was a wonderful film and theatre actor. He played the part of the father in 'My Left Foot' and also starred in 'Force Protocol', 'The Mission', 'A Very British Coup', 'We're no Angels' and 'Cal'....he was also in many films and plays around the world. My mother, Ronnie Masterson, is also an actress and they met while working in the Abbey Theatre where I met my own wife, Billie. So, we grew up in a family that was steeped in a tradition of theatre, film and television.

In music I would choose Paul McCartney, who is today appreciated as great songwriter by young people when they realise that he and the Beatles have influenced Oasis. Also, I look up to my Dad a great deal.

When I was 13 or 14 I was on the Irish debating team. Also, I played football and hurling for St. Joseph's in Croke Park and were junior winners in '64, '65 and '66.

Yes I do but I get asked to do much more than I can manage. Over the years I have been involved with different groups...Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome, Heart Foundation, Cheeverstown House St. Francis Hospice and many more. I like to help out as much as possible but sometimes I find it impossible to always say 'Yes'.

The music from 'The Mission' by Enrico Morricone....the film 'E.T.' always makes me happy...I love John Grisham books and the person has to be Billie Morton....my wife!

My best memory was getting 7 honours in the Inter. Cert. and winning those medals in soccer. My worst is getting corporal punishment for missing a question in Geography and the realisation that we were going to get 3 or 4 belts!

I get angry when I see the amount of crime around us as a result of drugs. Sometimes, I am nervous of the dark. I'm happy when I am with my family or when I am in a 'Red Light' situation at work which means I am in a studio. I also love playing good snooker. I get sad when I think of people who are no longer with us..like my Dad...when I think of things I said or did not say. I spent some great times with him. Thankfully, I have a great support network around me and my family.

My wife's name is Billie Morton whose father was Billy Morton who was an optician and gave much of his tme and money to building Santry Stadium which is now called after him.

I like to play snooker and to sky-dive. Also. I like to play music ,watch films and eat out with my wife.

I began playing the guitar at 13 and was involved in a few bands over the years including Mushroom, with which we had great success.

Jennifer Darcy, Andy Mc Anally, Caitriona Fields.