Niall O'Flaherty

First Job: Stockroom Assistant in Priceless Shoes, 2006.

What it taught me: Working in a retail environment taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. On the rare occasion I was allowed on to the shop floor, working with the general public taught me the importance of patience. This was a great start to the working world which ultimately taught me the importance of earning a living and the sense of pride that comes from making my own way in the world. I've been working ever since.

Family/status: Engaged.

Best advice anyone ever gave you: When transporting me from instrumental lessons to orchestra rehearsals, feiseanna and concerts mum and dad often spoke to me about the opportunities that being musical provided me with. Something my dad said to me has remained a part of me ever since: “Enjoy the career that you choose and you'll never work a day in your life.” Whilst I disagree with the “never working a day in your life” aspect I feel so lucky I am able to share the passion I have for  music with all of my pupils, encouraging them to play and listen to as much music as possible.

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Speak to teachers and find out why they started themselves! I have a career where I am supported and challenged every day. I have a career where I learn something every day from both my fantastic colleagues as well as our pupils. I have a career which interests me and that I have passion for. I have a career that enables me to develop personally in ways I had not thought would be possible. Teaching is not for everyone and is not something you turn on at 8.45am and off at 3.30pm, but knowing that I have an impact on the children in front of me that can last forever makes up for any negatives.

Music is one of my passions, and I have a career which enables me to make and play music every day. Outside of school I work as Musical Director with Banbridge Musical Society, producing both youth and adult shows annually. With this I have been awarded Runner-Up as Best Musical Director in Ireland. I am one of the founders of Miscast Belfast: a musical theatre cabaret evening which has been featured on the BBC numerous times with live accompaniment on piano provided by myself. As well as music I have a love for the Irish language and have been the Music Co-ordinator at Coláiste an Phiarsaigh in Dún Lúiche from 2014 to 2018. I play rugby for Newry Rugby Club and, whilst this started as a personal challenge to do something that was outside of my comfort zone, has become something I look forward to immensely.