Cork man: I was delighted to join TG4's weather panel

TELL us about yourself;

My name is Darragh Ó Caoimh. I’m 24 and come from Kanturk, Co. Cork.

I graduated from UCC with a degree in Law and Irish in 2022, and then won a Fulbright Scholarship which brought me to the wonderful town of Missoula, 3,000 feet up in the Rocky Mountains. 

I spent a year there teaching Irish at the University of Montana, and returned to Ireland last June.

Having previously worked as a presenter on Junior Eurovison Éire, I was delighted to join TG4’s weather and continuity panel recently.

Where were you born?

Cork.

Where do you live?

Dublin.

Family?

My father Con, my two sisters Clodagh and Sarah, my brother Paul, grandmother Lee, as well as a fantastic extended family on both sides.

My mum passed away in 2021. 

She was the best mother you could ask for and we all miss her laugh and smile and company.

Best friend?

I’m very lucky to have the friends I have, and couldn’t single any one out!

Earliest childhood memory?

Getting lost in Blackpool Shopping Centre. I went back to the car when I couldn’t find my mum inside, and I remember her and the security guard coming out and shouting for me. I must have been about four.

Person you most admire?

My dad. He is a brilliant example to me, and has really looked after us. He also has a great sense of humour.

Person who most irritates you?

Any person who litters.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

France in 2008. We went with Brittany Ferries from Cork to Roscoff, and drove down to a mobile home near La Rochelle, where we spent two sunny weeks.

France is one my favourite countries, and I’ve been going back since.

Favourite TV programme?

Bailte on TG4. The presenter Síle Nic an Chonaonaigh visits a different townland in each episode to meet the community who live there and learn about the history of the place. It’s a fascinating portrait of the Gaeltacht and of rural life, and seasons 2 and 3 are still on the TG4 player.

Favourite radio show?

An Saol ó Dheas on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Monday to Friday, from 12:08pm to 1pm and on podcast. It’s a programme that focuses on Munster and the Munster Gaeltacht, and they always have interesting items, including an excellent recent interview with Cillian Murphy’s father, Breandán Ó Murchú.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Chicken curry. The recipe I learned in 1st year Home Ec. in Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk, has stood me well!

Favourite restaurant?

Bob’s Bar and Restaurant in Kanturk. Steak, chips, peppercorn sauce, fried onions and a side salad. You can’t beat it!

Last book you read?

Súil an Daill, by Darach Ó Scolaí, published by Leabhar Breac in 2021. It’s a historical novel set in 16th century Ulster and is a skilful reimagining of Gaelic life under the O’Neill’s, with all the political intrigue and action of the Game of Thrones series.

Best book you read?

An impossible question! One of my favourite novels is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, and her latest book Demon Copperhead was superb also.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Taylor Swift’s rerecording of her fifth album: 1989 (Taylor’s Version).

Favourite song?

It changes often, but at the moment it’s Man On Fire by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I have seen her once in concert already, but I’d love to see Lorde again. She’s a super artist!

Do you have a pet?

Senna is back in Kanturk. He is a black labrador, named after the famous Brazilian F1 driver who my dad was a big fan of.

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely a night owl. During the pandemic, I found I liked to get up at about ten, and go to bed around one in the morning. That arrangement hasn’t lasted unfortunately, but I still seem to be at my most productive at around 11pm.

Your proudest moment?

Winning the Irish-language moot court competition Bréagchúirt Uí Dhálaigh in the Four Courts in Dublin in 2021, along with my friend Cárthach Ó Faoláin.

Spendthrift or saver?

A spender, I think.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I’m really hoping they get going soon with the metro in Dublin. We should be investing much more in our public transport network: the metro in Dublin, a LUAS in Cork, Busconnects, as well as Local Links and rural bus routes.

Better public transport is important for climate change, but it’s also essential to help ease the housing crisis and will improve people’s quality of life.

What makes you happy?

Talking and having a laugh with family and friends.

Reading the papers over breakfast at the weekend.

Hiking in Killarney National Park during the recent frosty weather.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who was kind to those he met, and who made a contribution, however small, to his country and to the world.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m studying for a masters in Modern Irish in UCD at the moment. I’ve learned so much about areas of our history and literature that I didn’t know about, and am thoroughly enjoying all the reading and research involved.