Conroy, Donal Anthony (Don)

Date of Birth: 7th June 1949

Place of Birth: Dublin

Date Interviewed: 26th October 2008

Summary: Don Conroy grew up in Donnybrook, Dublin. He was the youngest in the family with 3 sisters and a brother – his father died when Don was just 6 months old. His earliest memory is of drawing pictures on the kitchen floor at 4 years of age. A wildlife book won in an art competition when he was 9 had a huge influence. Don lived near Herbert Park and this was where he and his friends played – games such as cowboys and Indians were great favourites. He loved going “into town” to cinemas such as the Ambassador or the Corinthian. His passion for art earned him a place in the College of Art and Design. After some time working in an advertising agency Don took up acting and won awards for various roles. He worked as a film extra with actors such as Lee Marvin and Mark Hamill. His first art exhibition led to an appearance on RTE’s Late Late Show. This led to his own TV series Paint For Fun. He started writing and to date has over 40 books published. Don’s first experience of Wexford was when his sister brought him to Curracloe when he was still quite young. When he and Gay got married and had a family they would spend the summer months in a mobile home near Curracloe. They now have a permanent home in Co. Wexford and although Don still loves Dublin he spends as much time as possible in Wexford. Don talks of his passion for wildlife and the environment and of our need for a vision for the future.