Readers' lives: Getting through the craic

It is a tough life when you are Irish and in IT

Rafferty: Loves curry on Fridays

Number of staff you manage? 130

How many beers before you fall over?
A lot; I am Irish after all.

Car or other vehicle you drive?
Porsche 911 C4S.

What was your first job?
Camera salesman.

How much did it pay and was that fair?
£70 a week. Of course it was not fair, it should have been £75!

How did you get into IT?
I had 11 interviews to get the job of ‘bag carrier’ for best sales person at Compaq.

Which TV character would you most like to be?
It’d have to be Dom Joly dressed up as a large snail crossing Abbey Road. I think because I would like to see the faces of the London cabbies as it takes me 20 minutes to cross.

Are you looking forward to the London Summer Games in 2012?
Yes, as I am looking forward to an opening ceremony that will put the Chinese to shame (or maybe not).
What sport should be in the Olympics but isn’t?
Hurling, mixing in some Irish dancing when they score the goals.

How do you relax, and do you find it easy to switch off from work?
Great wine and sleep, in that order. It’s not easy for me to switch off.

Which is your favourite city?
Dublin, as the craic is mighty!

Is there any future in simply selling packaged product?
Yes, the simpler things are the better!

What could prompt you to give it all up and join the revolution?
A simpler life with no quarters or year-ends.

What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
What did the fish say when it swam into the wall? Damn.

Which is more satisfying: money or power?
Power, as with it you can give yourself a pay rise.

What is your ideal holiday destination?
Maldives, because it’s quiet … and there is no BlackBerry.

What would you like to eat tonight?
Curry. It’s a Friday.

Is IT well taught in schools?
I believe it is taught well today. My kids definitely have a better grasp of tech than I do, and they are aged five and nine.

Ciaran Rafferty is UK country manager at Sophos