My Weekend: Young people are invited to take part in a national day of free creativity

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I grew up in Rochestown, the fourth of six children.

My parents met when they were in the same class studying medicine in University College Cork and when I left school, I also went to study medicine.

It took me three years to realise it might not be the right course for me.

I took a year out and did the Art & Design course in Coláiste Siofáin Naofa, and when I was offered a place at the National College of Art & Design in Dublin, I jumped at it.

I lived in Dublin for over a decade, working at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts Gallery and with a textile designer during and after college.

I then got my Master of Arts in Cultural Policy and Arts Management at University College Dublin.

Following this, I worked with the Office of Public Works Art Management Office in management of the State Art Collection until the birth of my daughter in 2011.

My husband Benny, originally from Ardee, and I co-founded the Vantastival Music and Campervan Festival in Co Louth during the recession.

Over 13 years, we organised 12 festivals, reaching a peak of 7,000 attendees in 2019.

However, covid-19 drastically impacted the independent festival scene in Ireland.

In 2014, we bought our house on Blarney St and moved back to Cork. I love living in the city.

We have three children, aged 6, 10, and 12, and an aging collie/labrador mix named Ziggy.

When live music events halted during the pandemic, I began working with the Cancer Research Unit at University College Cork.

It was a fantastic experience with a brilliant team, but I missed working in the arts.

Last September, I took up the position of Creative Communities Engagement Officer with Cork City Council.

In the arts office, I manage the Creative Ireland funding for community projects. It’s inspiring to meet so many people who are transforming their communities through creativity.

 Part of my role includes coordinating the annual Cruinniú na nÓg event in Cork city. Cruinniú na nÓg is a national day of free creativity for under-18s, with over 40 events taking place in Cork city on June 15, all free.

We collaborate with creative and cultural partners and venues across the city to provide young people with opportunities to explore new creative experiences.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

It’s usually after 9pm before I get a chance to relax on Friday nights. I like to watch Gogglebox with a glass of wine. It’s my guilty pleasure.

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

I can’t remember the last time I had a lie in. I’m up shortly after 6am on weekdays and usually about 7.30am at the weekends to ferry kids to various activities.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

There are often City Council Arts Office supported events taking place over the weekend that I might want or need to attend. It usually doesn’t feel too much like work though as they are always enjoyable!

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

I very rarely get away. In 2019 Benny and I went to Lisbon for a weekend — our honeymoon five years after getting married! We loved it and will go back whenever we next get a chance.

In the meantime, my sister and I are hoping to go to Amsterdam soon to visit our brother, who moved there last year.

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

We go to Waterville, Co Kerry, on holidays every August and often at other times throughout the year. I’ve been going there my whole life. The beaches in nearby Derrynane and Ballinskelligs are incredible and the kids love it.

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

Most weekends are very busy with the kids, but we have dinner with my sister and parents on Sundays. Every so often we’ll get out to a gig with friends, or if my brother is home, he tends to drag me out to socialise!

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

For a long time, I didn’t have any time for hobbies but I’m picking things back up as the kids are getting older.

I started a book club with some friends so have been reading lots of great books — or listening to them while walking the dog.

We’re currently renovating our house, and I’m hoping that once it’s done, I’ll have the space to get back into drawing and making clothes, which I used to do a lot.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

Definitely be entertained. If I won the Lotto, the first thing I would do is hire a cook so I would never have to waste another second trying to come up with dinner ideas. If I lived on my own, I’d probably never cook a proper meal.

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

It’s tragically rare that I eat out anywhere. More likely I’m grabbing a takeaway coffee on the run. The last time I ate out was in Nosta on Marlboro Street and it was wonderful. The food was great, and the staff were so friendly!

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

My mum cooks a big roast every Sunday evening and feeds us all. Sadly, I then spend the evening folding mountains of laundry, usually while watching house build/renovation shows on Channel 4. I think I’ve seen every episode ever of Grand Designs.

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

6:05am.

About Cruinniú na nÓg

Organised by Cork City Council, more than 40 free events for young people will take place in Cork for Cruinniú na nÓg.

A range of arts, crafts, story, and play experiences for young children will take place in libraries across the city and the City Library will host a Teen Film Poetry Showcase in collaboration with poet/poetry filmmaker Colm Scully.

See www.corkcity.ie/cnn for details and times of all events.