| Ruaidhr+¡ Murphy (Ruaidhr+¡) | |||
| On Snail List | Biography # 324 | email: rstjmurphy@iol.ie | |
Born in Dublin, Ireland on 20th April 1948. Eldest of four, two sisters and a brother. Parents John (Jack) and Pauline - I challenge anyone to have better parents. My first serious pen was a Conway Stewart (I've mentioned this before somewhere) bought for a few pence from a schoolmate when I was six. Parents took one look and I was marched round to his house. Luckily his parents explained that he was an 'only child' and had numerous doting uncles, aunts etc. who showered him with such goodies. They felt the pen had found a good home and I felt vindicated. I did not realise until too late that it was the start of an addiction. On a youngster's pocket money I could not afford the "51" I lusted after but a local stationer was happy to accept a few pence per week (I even had a little saving book from him) until I bought a 21 set. Happy day. When someone said "pen" it was assumed that it was a fountain pen. Ballpoints were things that 'ruined your handwriting ! School, College (Science). Halfway through university I saw an advertisement for Customs Officers. Joined up. Served for 33 years on border patrols, enforcement units and deep rummage. Added stripes to sleeves gradually. Thoroughly enjoyed the job. Kicked upstairs five years ago & now am Procurement Officer for Revenue (think IRS +Customs). Married in 1970 to Sheila, who still puts up with me. 36 years married and I still am nuts about her (don't anyone tell her !). Three 'children' - Ruaidhr+¡ jnr. =Ann, Breffni=Julie-Ann, Ciara=Declan (these gave us Grandson Jack, our pride and joy). Before I married we had a bachelor uncle, Paddy, who lived with us for many years. He was a wrangler (no, not a cowboy - the other kind) by profession who ran the Statistics Dept. in Guinness and was also a pen lover. He gave me my first "51". I still have it, and it still performs better than anything I've ever found since. Its only fault is that I'm terrified to take it out of the house for fear of losing it. A keen, and in all modesty a very good, woodturner, I have a well equipped workshop. Play banjo, mandolin, bouzouki and tin whistle - usually to shouts of "ah DAD !!!!!!" Sheila reckons my hobby is collecting hobbies. They include (or did include) Scouting, kayaking, climbing, flying light aircraft, making model boats, planes, railways, chess, ham radio, electronics....... Pens mainly centre around Parker but with a wide selection of others including Aurora, Sheaffer, Spor, Conklin, Waterman, Graf Von Faber-Castell, CP, Namiki. From big flat tops to a little Kika. Lately seem to be gravitating towards Centennials and of course "51"s, one of which is always with me. Having read Da Book and various writings by young chaps like Binder, Mottishaw, Nishimura, Lambrou, Abrate and a host of others I've started doing some of my own nib work. Very pleased with results, and NO I am not starting looking for business. I would like to thank all those who so readily share their knowledge and friendship - it really is great to see that the good guys can never be fully eradicated. Not a car nut. Drive a reliable old `91 Mazda 626. Noticed the other day that the pens in my shirt pocket were worth more than the car !! Before I shut up - thanks to all you snailers (and yes, for once I'm up to date!).
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