Mattie Brennan

I am from Ireland, where I completed an undergraduate degree in physical education and English at the University of Limerick, two drastically different subjects but two which encapsulate my diverse range of interests.

I’m currently studying for a masters in Popular Literatures at Liverpool Hope University, which I thought would consist of just reading various magazines (they are a popular form of literature after all), but apparently you’ve to read some epic novels as well. I have too many favourite bands to mention, but if I had to decide upon desert island discs I would bring along an album of Bob Dylan’s, The Smiths, The Beatles and, living up to the stereotype, The Dubliners. If I had to decide upon specific albums this profile would never be finished; can I choose each of their greatest hits?! I was always deeply interested in music, and even had a stint in a band back home known as The Juvenals.

The name of the band was inspired by a student fraternity that existed in Sweden in the 1800’s. They were dedicated to ‘music and merrymaking’, however The Juvenals mainly just concentrated on the merrymaking. Nevertheless, both our gigs were warmly received and we were even labelled the greatest unsigned band in Ireland (by our mums). On a Sunday I can be found running around Gaelic football pitches; where the enjoyment of the occasion rests on whether I was out the night out before or not.