Collection of objects relating to a career as a Marine Engineer

"From a young age I had a deep interest in engineering and wanting to travel. I learned to drive when I was 12. I worked on farms where I repaired tractors and machinery. My focus in life was on engineering. This copy of Irish Ships and World Ports magazine reflects my early interest which combined engineering with travel. At college I was a marine engineer cadet, employed by Irish Shipping Limited. When I was 20 I graduated and joined my first deep sea ship. In June 1980 I flew from Dublin to Manchester and Manchester to Malta. I joined the ship in Malta which was in dry dock. We spent two weeks supervising repairs by the dockyard but also touring the island. This was my dress uniform, which was generally only used for special occasions. The rank was denoted on the sleeve of the uniform. My rank was fourth engineer. "