| Fintan is 58 and moved to Galway during his teenage years. |
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’ve worked for a multinational for about the last 34 years in various roles and I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot. I’ve lived in California, Ottawa, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong. I was what is sometimes called a Road Warrior – great to see the world but there is another side. When I ask myself what makes my heart sing? I would say music, also travel, photography, F1 and now a like for theatre is a love! Old school printing techniques is a recent passion and some would say volunteering should be on my list!
When did you start volunteering ?
I started back volunteering in 2017 with Galway Theatre Festival. I was doing some stuff within work over the years.
Why did you start volunteering?
Work Life Balance, I was no longer on the road so much and ended up just watching TV. I wanted to get off the couch, get out and meet people after working for a multinational for so long I wanted to get my soul back
What role are you currently volunteering in and can you tell us about it?
Right now I am back with the Galway Theatre Festival for 2018. This year I asked to get more involved as I can share my experience and learn so I’ve started working on sponsorship which is new for me. I’ve put the poster and program plan together and handed it over to the intern. Now I’m doing remote location postering and will be a Venue Manager during the festival.
I don’t count hours but roughly 5 to 8 hours a week and I will be full time during festival. I like to volunteer with multiple festivals, already did Wide Eyes by Baboró and the Volunteer Recruitment Fair with Volunteer Galway this year. I’m on call as required for That’s Life and COPE and I’m also on the charity committee at work – I just get so much out of it!
What is the best thing about volunteering in your own opinion?
Ahh come on one thing? You get back so much, meet some amazing people, I was always happy but now I smile so much more, my life has balance and I have had many side benefits, I get to work creative artists and exercise that part of my mind. I have worked a lot with creative engineers but this is different. You are part of something meaningful not for profit
What would you say to someone who was thinking about starting volunteer work?
Do it, stop thinking about it, it is better fun that you would ever think.