5 MINUTES WITH - RAY DOHERTY

Ray Doherty lives in Greencastle with his wife Fiona and two children Charlie and Alfie. Ray was number 13 out of a family of 19 children (11 sisters and 8 brothers). His parents, Mary Francis and father Harry (the greaser) had all of the boys sleeping in a mobile home in the garden whilst the sisters got the house, before they moved into a larger home in Moville. Ray’s father was the manager of Fingal Clothing in Moville and in 1999 he (Harry) set up Moville Clothing, following in a long family tradition of tailoring. Ray and his brother Hillary now look after the business that produces clothing that is sought after all over the world. They have a website www.movilleclothing.com where you can check out their fabulous range of clothing. They also have a shop on the premises, which is just up from the Co-op in Moville. Open 5 days a week. You can contact him on (074) 9385882


What music are you listening to at the moment?
I like U2, they have been around a long time and made some great music. My brother Colm put me onto Johnny Cash a couple of years ago; his CD’s get played a lot. My wife likes him too.

What are you reading at the moment?
I look through newspapers when I get the time. If I am away on holiday I will read a good autobiography. Roy Keane’s, just called Keane, Sir Alex Ferguson who called his “This is the One. There are a lot of U2 books out but I enjoyed the one written by Lola Cashman titled “Inside the zoo with U2” It’s a real fly on the wall documentation of life on the road with the band.

What was your favourite childhood game?
Playing army with my mates, especially Damien McLaughlin (Ballyfaddy) We would build dens and camped out in the summer for weeks.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see I am Legend starring Will Smith who is the only survivor after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters. He struggles valiantly to find a cure….. It was scary and good at the same time

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I’ll turn to the sports pages. I am a big Manchester United fan and like to keep up to date how they are doing.
What would you never throw away?
I have a pair of scissors that have been used in the family for generations, my father, his father and his father They were all tailors.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Mickey Pat McLaughlin, a good friend of mine started crying one night and telling me I was his best ever friend. This was only about four years ago….he had had a few at the time….

Favourite TV programme?
I enjoy Born Survivor on the Discovery channel with Edward Michael 'Bear' Grylls. Grylls is a British adventurer, writer and television presenter. He is one of the youngest people to climb Mount Everest, doing so at age 23.
Favourite meal?
Lamb chops, potatoes and baked beans. My mother made it when we were young and it was delicious….my wife now does it well too…..

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
To be in the army. I joined the F.C.A reserve army when I was old enough and stayed for five years until I was seventeen. I got involved with other things like working in the factory so gave it up. I still think it’s a great thing to do when you are young.

Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
Four years ago I went to Kenya with Fiona for our honeymoon. We were there for three fabulous weeks on safari. We have a reminder of the time as most of it is on DVD.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Bear Grylls, although dinner would be a bit dodgy, seeing what he eats. Anthony Hopkins would be another guest. He is a great actor. I was really taken by Aidan Quinn when he came to the factory to buy clothes. He would make a very amiable dinner guest.
What do you do for a special treat?
Fiona and I go out for a meal. I particularly enjoy The Exchange in Derry.
Favourite animal?
The German Shepherd dog. We used to have one called Ben. I find them obedient, intelligent and affectionate
Biggest thrill?
My name was pulled out to go on Winning Streak in 1998. I won ten and a half thousand, not bad for one day’s work….
What was the best present you ever got?
My baby boy Charlie three and a half years ago and Alfie, my other boy just over a year ago….

What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I was on holiday in Majorca three years ago and treated myself to a G-Shock watch.
What charities do you support?
I support the Foyle Hospice, it’s a really beneficial cause and I also donate clothes to a Romanian charity that go to a children’s orphanage.

The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
Light bulbs are the most useful, they have lengthened our days considerably. Like most people the mobile phone is up there on top of the most irritating list. Everyone knows where you are, there’s no escape.
Favourite past-time?
Playing football and gardening. I play with a group of friends and have a kick about, nothing serious. I am thinking about growing some vegetables this year, I’ll have to start soon though to catch the season. My father has a great greenhouse where he grows his tomatoes.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I am very happy with now……
What do you have for breakfast?
A bowl of porridge, a cup of tea and a slice of Daniel Doherty’s wholemeal bread with knob of Kerrygold butter on top and raspberry jam.
Do you have a favourite cartoon character?
It has to be Popeye. He has a unique way of opening cans of spinach.
What was your first paid job?
I worked at the Welcome Inn bar on the Malin Road under Audrey and Joe Bredan. I was there part time and was paid 35 punts.
Best/worst household task?
The best is cleaning the toilets and the worst is taking the ashes out. I came from a big family and we were all well trained with every aspect of domesticity.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
When paying for something, always use someone else’s money. I was told that ages ago, it works for some people but not for others. You have to shop wisely and know what you are buying… and be able to repay the loan of course….
Personal philosophy?
My mother and father are great role models for all of us and they told me to always be good to people and look after people who can’t look after themselves. Live life to be a good example to others.