Person to Person: Young Offenders star takes part in The Improv Halloween History Murder Mystery 

Tell us about yourself;

I’m a theatre, film, and TV actor based in Cork, probably best known for my role as Sergeant Healy in BBC/RTÉ series The Young Offenders.

I got into acting when I joined the drama society in UCC while I was studying Biological and Chemical Sciences. I’ve been working in the industry for the last 15 years.

Where were you born?

Blackrock in Cork.

Where do you live?

Blackrock in Cork (I’ve travelled far and wide!), with my partner Monika and my daughter Emily.

Family?

I’m the youngest of five children: three brothers and one sister. I love coming from a relatively big family, I’ve got really strong bonds with all my siblings.

Best friend?

Too many great friends to pick from. I’m a lucky man.

Earliest childhood memory?

Demanding that I be put in a school uniform to be like my brothers before I was old enough to go to school. I hated being left out.

Person you most admire?

My parents. It took me a while to realise it. I really look up to them for a multitude of reasons.

Person who most irritates you?

Myself at times. I’m much more forgiving of the faults in others.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Jerusalem and the Holy Land when I was in my early twenties. A melting pot of religions and cultures and steeped in history. I much prefer old places to newer ones. North America all felt a bit modern for me.

Favourite TV programme?

Game Of Thrones (before it went downhill when it strayed too far from the books.)

Favourite radio show?

It’s got to be The Sheriff on Red FM. My man Neil Prendeville.

Your signature dish if cooking?

If I’m trying to impress someone, I’ll make sushi. I love the process involved in making it, and the ritual of eating it. It’s very clean and aesthetically pleasing. I cook a mean fillet steak too.

Favourite restaurant?

Jackie Lennox’s (too soon?). I love Miyazaki on Barrack Street, and its offshoot Ichigo Ichi on Fenn’s Quay. Cush in Ballycotton is excellent too.

Last book you read?

Man’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor Frankl.

Best book you read?

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Let Down Those Old Defences, by Simon MacHale.

Favourite song?

Nature Boy by Nat King Cole

One person you would like to see in concert?

Neil Hannon and the Divine Comedy.

Do you have a pet?

No. I had a dog growing up that I loved but I wouldn’t get one now. I prefer seeing animals out in the wild.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person all the way. It’s my favourite time of the day. I’ve never enjoyed staying up late, which is challenging as a theatre actor!

Your proudest moment?

Becoming a father for the first time in August. My daughter Emily is just amazing.

Spendthrift or saver?

Somewhere in the middle. I don’t buy things I don’t need, but when I do decide to buy something, I’m happy to spend a bit more for good quality.

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

Blackrock is an amazing area in which to live so I’d only be nit-picking. Perhaps a few more cafés and restaurants would be nice.

What makes you happy?

Spending time out in nature. I really enjoy mountain hikes and forest walks with the people I love. It’s restorative.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone that could be depended on. Someone who did their duty. Someone who just got on with things without too much fuss.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m working with an amazing company called Real Learning, providing training in corporate and academic environments.

I’m also currently finishing a postgraduate qualification in Performance and Management Coaching in UCC. I’m setting up a coaching practice for business and personal coaching so for anyone interested, please feel free to get in touch with me on LinkedIn.

IMPROV SHOWS

Dominic is starring in The Improv Halloween Murder Mystery in the Cork Arts Theatre from Wednesday October 30 to Saturday, November 2. Tickets are available from corkartstheatre.com

He is also starring in The Improv Panto in the Cork Opera House from Friday, December 6 to Saturday, December 28. Tickets are available from corkoperahouse.ie