I wanted to study for the radio theory exam, however the nearest radio experimenter theory classes were taking place in Galway. This was 80km. from home and with no access to transport at the time I decided the best way forward was study for the Radio Amateur Exam (RAE) (City & Guilds 765, parts 1 & 2).
I signed up with the UK Rapid Results College in September 1991, the course material was studied in my own free time. I sat the RAE exam in December 1991 at the Dundalk Institute of Technology or the Dundalk R.T.C. as it was known at the time.
By the time I received my C&G 765 certificate from the City & Guilds Institute and filled out my licence application form etc. it was not until May 1992 before I received my Class B call-sign EI3ESB from the Irish licensing authority.
In 1993 I was invited to join the Galway VHF Group which I did. I found this Group had a very active VHF/UHF & AREN (Amateur Radio Emergency Network) dimension to its activity. It was very interesting, as all our events, from Hill walks to water events had to be checked out before hand to access which type of equipment was going to be required. It was really due to the Galway VHF Group that I saw how effective the VHF/UHF bands were, hence my continued interest in this segment of the Amateur spectrum.
I was many years learning morse (CW). I was often up to 10WPM, then work or other commitments would intervene and would then loose proficency, the old storey!. Finally in July 1999 after all the years I passed the 12WPM morse code test at the Ballybofay Radio Rally in Donegal. On application for my Class A call-sign I received the call EI3IX.
In 2000 I was co-opted to the Irish Radio Transmitter Society committee, the following year I was re-elected and served as the Societys VHF Manager. I was re-elected each year since, holding the post of VHF Manager. In March 2004 I again was re-elected to the committee but resigned due to family reasons. I really enjoyed my four years with the committee and will continue to attend committee meetings as a club observer when ever the time allows.