My Weekend: 'I’m prepping for all the cheers, boos, and he’s behind yous'

Tell us a bit about yourself and your work:

My name is Fionula Linehan (Byrne) and I live in Frankfield but hail from Ballyphehane. My husband is John and we have two daughters. Our daughter Kadie and husband Ken live here in Cork, and our daughter Kerri and partner Colin live in Melbourne. We have two dogs Maisy and Pearl (but would love maybe a half dozen) I am a Cork-based actor and a drama teacher with CADA Performing Arts.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Depends on the week. Generally I spend it with the feet up as I work all day on Saturday but if there is a good play or show on in town the glad rags are on and I’m off.

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

I’m up with the lark and out walking my dogs. It’s always the best time of the day.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Absolutely. As an actor most plays and shows I would be in will have a performance on a Saturday night. As a drama teacher the busiest day for classes is on a Saturday.

If money was no object where would you go for a city break:

My usual treat weekend is to head to London and see as many shows and plays I can squeeze in.

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

My favourite place in Cork is The Lough where I walk my dogs regularly... Water, nature, swans, and ducks (maybe even a trip on the swings) what more could you ask for.

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

As I work most weekends it’s not usually the time when I catch up with friends and family. Downtime at the weekends will find me out walking my dogs with Johnnyboy, probably around Charles Fort.

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

I studied Martial Arts for many years when I was younger (a lot younger) and I have two black belts in Shotokan karate so I enjoy watching that on telly. I also enjoy doing crosswords regularly and will make sure I attend to my daily ‘Wordle’.

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

‘Can’t Cook .. Won’t Cook’ so if we are entertaining I can stand at the door with a glass of wine to welcome guests.

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

Love love love Tara’s Tea Rooms on MacCurtain Street. I would always have gone to Bunnyconnellans in Myrtleville.

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

I’m early to bed getting ready for the week ahead.

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

No alarm clocks for me on Monday mornings.

Anything else you are up to right now...

I’m getting ready for the Panto Red Riding Hood at The Everyman where I will play the part of Granny Peggy Twomey. So I’m prepping for all the cheers, boos, and he’s behind yous. 

Bookings on www.everymancork.com.