London Life alters Childhood Innocence, Says DJ annie Mac
DUBLIN – DJ and broadcaster Annie MacManus has observed a marked difference in the childhood experiences of her sons growing up in London compared to their Irish cousins, noting a loss of innocence she attributes to a more “worldly” urban environment. The observation came during a recent interview with The Irish Times,where MacManus discussed her family’s Christmas traditions and her own evolving life.
MacManus regularly returns to her family home in Dundrum, Dublin, frequently enough for overnight visits to see her parents, a practice she says “scratches the itch” of being based in London. Christmas is split between London, with her in-laws, and St. Stephen’s Day in Dublin with her extended family, creating what she describes as “lovely chaos” at her parents’ home.
However, she expressed sadness over the changing perceptions of her sons, who are growing up in London. “With them growing up in London, they feel a lot less innocent than their Irish cousins, in a lot of ways,” she said. “They feel more kind of worldly, somehow. That could just be me projecting it, I don’t know – but the Santa thing is pretty sad.”
The interview also revealed MacManus’s recent embrace of competitive football, joining a league and surprising herself with her physical capabilities. She reflected on overcoming “internalised ageism” and the importance of challenging self-imposed limitations. Currently, she continues to DJ, finding fulfillment in a career she once believed would be behind her by her current age.
MacManus shares her thoughts and experiences on Substack at anniemacmanus.substack.com. Her music platform, Other Voices, returns to Dingle from November 28th-30th.
