John Thompson of Thompson Funeral Directors joined Damien in studio to chat about his many different career paths and life thus far.

The two met outside the funeral of Brendan Bowyer, which John did not expext to be so big.

John is an undertaker in Waterford. His funeral home was established in 1786, making his the first funeral home in the South East.

John is also the first embalmer in the South East. When he first got into the business, embalming was not done.

As a young boy in Mount Sion, John used to polish coffins. His career didn't start with undertaking though, despite being around it from a young age.

John did a degree in electrial engineering in Cork. He then worked for power stations in Dublin and Naas.

He enjoyed his time in Dublin where he worked in the ESB Head Office and became good friends with John Sheehan of The Dubliners.

He left engineering and found himself back in Waterford in the glass factory.

John got into the pub industry and has another record under his belt. He held a publican license that was the oldest one in the same family hands in Waterford, but he has since gotten rid of it.

Despite not being a massive fan of speaking on the radio, John has a passion for being on stage.

His interest in performing began in a small theatre during his time in Dublin. He had a friend who was involved in Luke Kelly's wife's theatre.

As well as being a man of many talents and trades, John is a husband to his beloved wife Sandra who turns 88 on Friday.

John and Sandra have been married for 55 years. He shares his best advice for sustaining a happy marraige.

To listen to the full conversation and hear all about John, click the link in this podcast.

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