Under the Microscope

Michael Carroll

Job Title:
Compensation & Benefits Manager–developing and implementing reward policy, particularly at management levels.

Who are those closest to you?
Mary and our son John (18), and daughters Susan (16) and Joanne (11).

How do you relax?
Not sure if you’d call it relaxing, but rugby’s my passion – I’m a referee with the IRFU Leinster Branch. Also, I love hill walking and playing guitar (which probably isn’t relaxing for listeners!).

What is your greatest fear?
Arriving in Heaven to discover they forgot to subscribe to Sky Sports–and the only sport they’ve got is synchronised swimming!

Where do you consider is the most idyllic holiday location?
For me, New Zealand’s got it all. Canada is right up there, too.

What person has influenced you most?
As a role-model, my late father, Shay. And of course, Mary (and she didn’t even tell me to say that!).

What upsets you most?
With smoking in pubs now thankfully banned, it’s people’s lack of civic pride – litter especially. Also, dogs (including their contribution to litter).

What are the values you look for in people?
Honesty, genuineness and a sense of humour.

If your house was on fire and everyone was safe, what 3 items would you bring with you?
I’d bring OUT my collection of All Blacks memorabilia and our best bottle of red wine; I’d bring IN as many Daniel O’Donnell albums as I could find (it’d be worth the risk!)

What person would you most like to meet? Since I met Tana Umaga (a thorough gent!) last autumn, it has to be my other alltime heroes – singer/songwriter Jackson Browne, comedian Billy Connolly, Antarctic explorer Tom Crean (well, maybe while watching the synchronised swimming!) … and Sandra Bullock (obviously!)

What is your ‘secret’ ambition?
To out-live the construction phase of the Port Tunnel and to finish off one of my walks with a pint of Guinness ….. At the South Pole!!! (and no, I don’t mean the pub in Anascaul….)