[2] Dik and his brother Dave were two of six people to respond to a note that Larry Mullen Jr. posted on the notice board at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in search of musicians for a new band.

The group set up in Mullen's kitchen, with the Evans brothers on guitar;[3] at the first meeting, the duo shared a single home-made instrument between them.

[7] Some of the earliest influences on the band were emerging punk rock acts, such as the Jam, the Clash, Buzzcocks, and Sex Pistols.

[11] That same month, U2, as a four-piece without Dik, won a talent contest in Limerick sponsored by Harp Lager and the Evening Press.

[15] Recent solo work includes contributions to Snakes & Ladders – A Festival of New Irish Music, curated by composer and former Virgin Prunes' band member, Daniel Figgis.