Mervyn is a reporter for the BBC and has been there for 37 years. For the majority of his career he covered the troubles in Northern Ireland. He also is the author of a book called “The Orange Order.” It was so interesting talking to Mervyn because besides his consistency at the same newspaper his career is one I aspire to achieving. He has grown with the BBC network and developed all the skills of a current reporter even though he is an older gentleman. It is a rarity for me to hear of people who are actively up-to-date in the social media world and are over the age of 55. I really enjoyed hearing him share his opinions on the troubles and some of the conflicts he experienced while reporting for such a long time.

 

And Tommy McKearney…where do I even begin.

 

He is a former member of the Irish Republican Army and had been convicted of killing a man. He spent 16 years in prison and participated in a 53 day hunger strike. But, if you fast-forward to his current life he is now a public speaker and has a wife. I find his entire life story fascinating. Tommy was very open with his experiences and welcomed any question we had. But, he neither confirmed nor denied that he killed a man. Hearing him speak and seeing him in person I can’t help but think no, he couldn’t have, he’s so nice! But, that was a long time ago, in a time of war. I’m sure things were much different for him back then.

 

This is why it’s impossible to write a sensible story on any of the characters I have met in thus far, there’s so much information it would become a novel.