My Weekend: It's off with the makeup and bra and on with the comfies on a Friday night

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m originally from Newtwopothouse, between Mallow and Buttevant, in Co Cork. I’m one of 10 kids, both my parents were teachers. My dad was my primary school principal, he passed away in 2001. We just celebrated my mother Mary V’s 79th birthday. She’s a gas woman and a complete character. She’s had lung cancer, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and broke her wrist the day of her birthday but she’s still having the craic with us all. My first job was in C103 in Mallow working with the best radio gang ever. I still miss radio, to be honest, Patricia Messinger is probably the most talented broadcaster I’ve ever worked with. I’ve been working on television 20 years now. I started in TV3 News and now I present and produce The Elaine Show on Virgin Media One.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

The minute I come home from work on Fridays, off goes the makeup and bra and on goes the comfies... I love Friday nights chilling out. Myself and Graham Norton have a fine old time.

Lie-ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Lie-ins... big time!

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Yeah, I’m terrible for switching off... I really can’t do it unless I’m on holidays in an internet blackspot. I really need to work on that….

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I’d bring my mother to New York City on a private jet to have breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Closer to home, is there someplace you like to head to recharge the batteries?

When I’m home I love a have a stroll around Doneraile Park... the house is open now and it’s such a gorgeous place. We’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep. It’s great to get out in the fresh air and clear the head.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Yeah, I know it sounds like I’ve notions but I do love a good brunch with my buddies at the weekend... my favourite thing to do.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I read a lot, and go to the gym. I do love theatre but find it difficult to find the time to go...

Entertain or be entertained?

Be entertained.... my cooking skills are not the best...

We have so many places to eat out in Cork — where are your go-to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

I do like popping to Springfort Hall for lunch or dinner when I’m home. it’s such a gorgeous setting and just down the road from home.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Doing a bit of research for Monday’s show and getting myself organised for the week ahead... I still get the Glenroe’s every Sunday night!

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

5:45am. Don’t mention the war. Himself goes to the gym very early and it drives me nuts.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Elaine Crowley will chair this year’s series of TeenTalks. The events for Transition Year students are organised and coordinated by Cork County Council and funded by Healthy Ireland through the Local Community Development Committees to provide support around all aspects of issues which are currently affecting Teenagers. This year, they will take place in Charleville, Little Island and Bantry in March and April.

The evening GEN-Z events are a new aspect of these events this year. These events are aimed at Parents & Teachers and will discuss some of the newer issues affecting Teenagers in the new decade.

Local schools have been informed about the events and how to register. Details for the parent and teacher evenings, GEN-Z are on eventbrite.ie