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Born and bred in Hull, Dermot's has strong Irish connections. His mother was originally from Limerick but the 'Hull family' has never lost touch with it's roots. He went to the University of Ulster where he met his wife who was a fellow student. Having moved around he became a teacher in 1990 for a fifteen year career which was cut short when he was diagnosed with Cerebellar Ataxia.

The condition affects a part of the brain which deals with coordination and can also have a dramatic effect on a person's mental abilities and can take a number of forms Diagnosis is usually made after an MRI scan which is what happened in Dermot's case.

In the picture Dermot is standing to the right of Hull City chairman Paul Duffen during celebrations marking Hull City's elevation to the Premier League. He says the picture is all the more remarkable because before receiving specialist treatment he had severe
mobility difficulties. In his interview he pays tribute to his friend Pete Crawford who has been a stalwart City supporter with Dermot through the club's less successful times.

Having given up full-time teaching due to his condition, Dermot is doing voluntary work with the Samaritans helping people through their difficulties. He says the group is extremely supportive and they along with his wife, family and friends help him through what are challenging times.

Dermot has strong political views and has been an active member of the Labour Party for many years and still actively campaigns on its behalf. He maintains a daily blog which encompasses his beliefs mixed with his fulsome praise for Hull City'sΜύ achievements and a love of literature.