MIKEY CULLEN
“My work carries the spirit of those who came before me and will, I hope, resonate with those who come after.“
MIKEY CULLEN
Dublin-based teacher and poet Mikey Cullen offers an honest reflection on his journey from a childhood steeped in Ireland’s cultural traditions to a life devoted to storytelling, teaching, and creative expression.
Growing up in North Dublin, Mikey was deeply influenced by Irish sports, folk music, and hurling—a sport he describes as “like a mass brawl with sticks over a tiny ball, very tribal and very Irish.” These early experiences have shaped a voice that resonates deeply with the social and cultural issues of today.
As a history and English teacher, Mikey’s path to education was as much about following his passion as it was about finding purpose. “Teaching is hugely important to me,” he explains, underscoring his commitment to nurturing critical thinking in a world often marred by superficiality and black-and-white thinking.
Mikey’s dedication to his students is evident as he reflects on his role: “Teachers are a vital part of any society and can make a huge difference in students’ lives,” he says, viewing his work as “planting seeds that hopefully will sprout and grow throughout a student’s life.”
Mikey’s creative outlet is his poetry, which, though initially a private endeavour, has become a powerful tool for expressing societal and personal struggles.
His poem “Home” went viral, capturing the frustrations of Dublin’s housing crisis and connecting with a broad audience who could relate to the feeling of being “trapped.”
Mikey remarks on this unexpected fame, “Once it’s in the world, it doesn’t belong to me anymore; the reader takes it in and makes it their own.” His poetry spans social justice, community, and Irish identity, drawing on influences from Tupac to Patrick Kavanagh.
Beyond the written word, Mikey is venturing into music, blending poetry with hip-hop—a genre he’s long admired for its lyricism and raw energy.
His latest release, Rare Old Signs, captures his experience growing up in Dublin, and he’s also involved in an innovative project reinterpreting Irish mythology with other artists.
With an ambitious lineup of projects on the horizon, including a poetry collection, two film projects, and more live performances, Mikey Cullen’s journey is one of ceaseless exploration, as he says, “Hopefully, by the time I’m old and grey, I’ll be able to say that I’m proud of my work and that I lived a life speaking my truth.”
A MASSIVE BRAWL WITH STICKS OVER A TINY BALL
I grew up in Dublin, Ireland, in the northern suburbs. Life was fairly typical—I went to the local schools, played football and hurling with my friends at my local club.
For International readers unfamiliar with it, hurling is an ancient Irish sport that, in my opinion, is one of the most thrilling and unique in the world. I’d highly recommend looking it up on YouTube; it’s like a massive brawl with sticks over a tiny ball—very tribal and deeply Irish.
My parents were wonderful and worked hard to provide a good life and a comfortable upbringing for me and my siblings.
I’m still based in Dublin today where I teach History and English in secondary school. To be honest, I fell into teaching. When I left school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but I did have a strong sense of what I definitely didn’t want to do.
Unsure of my path, I decided to at least study something I loved and see where it led me, so I chose History—especially Irish history, social history, and any revolutionary or anti-imperialist branch of the subject.
After completing my studies, an opportunity arose to teach History, and I immediately knew it was the right vocation for me. I was excited to share my love and passion for the subject and, hopefully, pass that enthusiasm on to my students. I then returned to college to complete a Master’s in Education.
Teaching is hugely important to me. The teachers who had a lasting impact on me were those who were passionate, understanding, and kind, and I hope my students would say the same about me. Sharing something meaningful with young people, watching them learn and grow, and equipping them with the tools for learning and discovery is both an honour and deeply fulfilling.
A WORLD FILLED WITH SUPERFICIALITY AND POLARISED THINKING
I see teaching as planting seeds that, with nourishment and care, will hopefully sprout and grow throughout a student’s life.
The moments beyond the curriculum—the guidance, the boost in confidence I see in students, and simply seeing them happy and engaged in learning—are the greatest joys teaching provides.
Education is not just about memorising dates, names, or figures; true education involves giving students the ability to think critically and appreciate nuance.
In a world filled with superficiality and polarised thinking, fostering independent thought is a vital asset—one I feel is in short supply, contributing to many of the world’s challenges and tensions today.
Teachers are a vital part of any society and can make a huge difference in students’ lives. It’s a vocation I hold in high regard.
POETRY PROVIDES ME WITH A WAY TO UNDERSTAND MYSELF
I’ve been writing my whole life, really. There was never a single conscious moment when I decided to become a writer.
I always joke that if it were that easy—if I could have simply decided on a profession—I probably wouldn’t have chosen to be a poet.
I’m being a bit facetious, but I don’t think poetry is something one chooses to become; rather, it’s something one either is or isn’t. It’s about how you see the world, and sometimes, the need for an outlet of expression. Some people play sports, others act, sing, write songs, books, essays, diaries, or poems.
I’ve done, and still do, a bit of all the above, but I naturally gravitated toward poetry, raps, and at one stage, songwriting as well.
I have a lot of thoughts and emotions that haven’t always been easy to handle, which has caused me confusion and pain at various points in my life. Poetry provides me with a way to understand myself and, in turn, the world around me—it’s my outlet.
From an early age, I was a voracious reader, so I suppose words, language, and their intricacies came easily to me. My introduction to poetry probably began with rap music. The lyricism, metaphors, and wordplay blew my young mind.
I was also raised on Irish ballads and folk music, which were ever-present in my house. Most Irish ballads, when stripped of the music, are essentially poems.
I think that, as Irish people, we are natural poets due to a mix of our indigenous language, our history of colonisation, and our Celtic and Hiberno heritage. Combined with centuries of devout Catholicism, this has led to a way of thinking, speaking, and relating that is witty, metaphorical, symbolic, and vividly descriptive.
There are people I know who don’t write at all, yet I consider them poets by the very way they see the world and express it orally.
As I grew older, I began reading poetry, and a few poets I’ve come to love include Tupac, Leonard Cohen, Sylvia Plath, Patrick Kavanagh, and Gil Scott Heron.
I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO HAVE MY COMMUNITY BEHIND ME
I have always wrote for myself, and at the encouragement of my mum—who spotted my talent (or maybe she was just biased; who knows?)—I got a few pieces published. But I never planned to become a professional poet, if there even is such a thing.
The success of my poem Home going viral opened up opportunities and gave me a platform to share more work, and it’s snowballed from there. It’s been an unexpected but beautiful journey; I’m enjoying where it’s taking me, and I’m very grateful for it all.
Through my work, I’ve met the most extraordinary people, from fellow artists to activists and revolutionaries, to people making an impact in their local communities and even on a global scale.
My poetry has also taken me to incredible places around Ireland and abroad, adding a richness to my life that I feel blessed to experience.
When Home went viral, it was surreal—my phone was buzzing nonstop. It was wonderful to see something I wrote and resonated with so many people.
I wrote it mainly because I was feeling trapped in Dublin due to issues like the housing and cost-of-living crises, which make it nearly impossible for young people to live in our city. It’s a shame, really. I also touched on themes of routine, duty, and longing, but I think the feelings and sentiments of the poem are universal.
That’s the beauty of poetry: once it’s out in the world, it doesn’t belong to me anymore. The reader takes it in, makes it their own, and relates to the words in ways unique to them.
My family and friends have been incredibly supportive, which is lovely. I think I surprised a lot of people, as they didn’t know this side of me—I hadn’t shared it for a long time.
My mates do joke about it sometimes, but it’s all good-natured, and I feel very lucky to have my community behind me.
OUR RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF PROFIT HAS LEFT US EMPTY
I never set out to be a voice for anything specific. I write what I’m passionate about, how I feel, and what disturbs me.
My writing is influenced by both the world around me and the world within me, as well as by my people’s history and culture. In the same way that my identity is shaped by these influences, so is my work. Being a student of history also means it naturally finds its way into my writing.
I once read a quote by Nina Simone that says an artist’s duty is to reflect the times.
We live in a world facing numerous challenges, and in my view, many are caused and perpetuated by the financial system we’ve built. We’ve allowed a group of avaricious, duplicitous figures to steer us towards ruin. Our relentless pursuit of profit has left us empty, creating a world that, for many, feels devoid of meaning and true purpose.
OUR ARTISTRY HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Ireland has a rich cultural heritage that stretches back thousands of years, and I’m a product of that.
My work carries the spirit of those who came before me and will, I hope, resonate with those who come after.
Irish culture has been gaining visibility on the world stage lately, and the art scene at home is vibrant and inspiring. You could walk into any pub in Ireland and hear someone perform who wouldn’t seem out of place on a main stage anywhere in the world.
Ireland is funny that way—perhaps because the platforms or ceiling aren’t high enough, you might find yourself standing next to a genius in any corner of the country without even realising it.
Our artistry has always been rooted in community. It carries a potency and wit born from our country’s history and the oppression we faced. Art became a means for our people to express themselves—whether through lighthearted entertainment or through lamentation and grief—especially in times of scarcity and hardship.
I’m proud to be part of this tradition, creating pieces informed by our rich heritage of writers, poets, musicians, artists, actors, and creatives of all kinds. I strive to leave my own personal mark on work that reflects the times, the country, and the world I live in.
NOT ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY
I’ve always loved hip-hop music. I’ve released two or three songs now, and I’ve recorded more that are set to be released soon.
My latest release, Rare Old Signs, came out last month. I wrote the lyrics on a train ride through Dublin, capturing the experiences of growing up here—the joys and the challenges.
I collaborated with a really talented producer named Chameleon, who created an old-school beat for the track.
For me, it’s all about expression and creation, and I love discovering new ways and exploring new mediums.
I also really enjoy the collaborative aspect of music. It has its challenges, don’t get me wrong, but it’s great to create something with other people and feel a shared responsibility and care for the work.
I’m still exploring my sound and trying to find what resonates. Music is new territory for me—I’ve always been a writer, so it’s definitely a learning process.
One of my long-term goals is a standalone project where I’d explore a recurring theme in my life through spoken word combined with different genres, blending talking and singing over the accompanying music.
It’s a project I’m still developing, and I might release it under an alias, so I won’t say too much yet.
For now, I’m working with producers, mainly on hip-hop tracks. I’m also part of an exciting project with a collective of Irish rappers and producers, collaborating with musicians seeking asylum.
This group was brought together by a guy named Blue Niall, who has a vision for retelling Irish mythology through a modern lens, and there are some incredibly talented artists involved.
I’ll be releasing more tracks soon, and possibly an EP of my poems set to ambient music.
So many ideas… not enough hours in the day
I WANT TO EXPERIENCE AND LEARN AS MUCH AS I CAN BEFORE I’M CALLED HOME
I wear many hats, so my interests are varied and eclectic. I also do some acting—though I haven’t in a while, due to the success of my poetry keeping me busy. However, it’s something I plan to return to soon. Poetry is very personal, and at times, it can be vulnerable and exposing, so pretending to be someone else offers a nice escape.
I’ve also played Gaelic football and hurling my entire life. I’ve already mentioned hurling, but I attend matches regularly and also follow soccer though not as fervently.
I love sea swimming, hiking, and camping. I need to spend time outdoors for my soul as much as possible, or my mind starts to unravel. Escaping city life and the hustle and bustle allows me to breathe and provides me with the peace of mind needed to create. Sea swimming, in particular, has been a lifeline for me through difficult times. There’s real magic in the cold!
I read a lot and watch many TV series and documentaries. I also try to visit museums and cultural sites as much as possible. I love learning and discovering new things. There’s so much to explore in this world, and I want to experience and learn as much of it as I can before I’m called home.
LIVED A LIFE SPEAKING MY TRUTH AND FROM THE HEART
For the rest of this year, I plan to complete a long-term poetry project of mine called Lost Generation. It’s a poem that charts the lives of five separate individuals navigating their twenties and dealing with the usual hurdles, both internal and external. It serves as a commentary on society, seen through the lens of young people.
I also have two film projects in the works. One of them is the brainchild of my good friend Fergus Quinn. It’s called The March of the Strawboys. I can’t reveal too much yet, but it blends old Irish traditions and superstitions within a mixed-time period, where the old world meets the new. It’s a story of revenge, growth, and acceptance. I am co-producing and acting in the film as well.
Additionally, I plan to release a book of my poetry over the next year. This will pair my poems with photographs, collaborating with photographers to add imagery and give new life to the words.
I’m still busy gigging, and for the rest of the year, I have several local gigs around Dublin. The biggest one will likely be performing at the official Kneecap after-party. They’re a rap group from Belfast who rap in Irish and about life in Belfast post-Troubles. They’ve done a great deal to promote the Irish language and the cause of Irish unity, both at home and globally, so it’s exciting to be part of that.
Long-term, my goals include releasing a poetry collection, getting more into filmmaking and acting, and eventually releasing one or two albums—one with my poetry and the other with the conceptual project I mentioned earlier.
Hopefully, by the time I’m old and grey, I’ll be able to say that I’m proud of my work and that I lived a life speaking my truth from my heart.
ALL OUR THANKS TO THE GENUIS THAT IS MIKEY CULLEN.
YOU CAN FOLLOW MIKEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA HERE