My name is Ken Cooper but I have other personas – Cooperman, DJ Tommie Cooper and Coopie. I grew up as a child in Sandymount and in adolescence, Artane, no not the industrial school although within earshot of the band rehearsing. I did a lot of volunteer work in the past but since retiring, ten years ago, I have spent more time with my wife and family. We have a mobile home.
Acting has always been my passion as has music and motorsports. I play the cajon with our Church music group. As a child I was fascinated with the fire service and aircraft. I have been lucky to visit several fire stations here and in the UK. I also got a behind the scenes tour of Dublin Airport.
I am and always have been a worry wart and I don’t see that changing any time soon. The moment that made my life complete was when Pauline, my wife, said YES. When I proposed. Annie Lennox Loud is my favourite Songs of Change song. Long red midi dress, or in my case, long red disco threads from Carnaby Street. And I relate to the image of the phoenix rising from the ashes. That’s me, shy, reserved, being lifted by music. I was still spinning discs in Trustus, our day centre, until the start of the pandemic. We all start out as teenagers. Now I feel like a recycled teen.
Songs of Change allowed us to share our joys – newborns, personal achievements, and our sorrows – the loss of loved ones and other personal tragedies. These are things that it is good to share together.