My Weekend: 'These days I'd rather be out on a day trip on Saturdays'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I live in Cork city with my partner, although I’m a Kerry native originally. I am marketing and communications officer for the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO), which is based in Cork City. I studied English and History at UCC. After a stint in Dublin, I returned to Cork to work for various arts festivals and organisations.

Since 2022, I’ve been working for the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO). IAYO is a support and resource organisation that represents around 100 youth orchestras across Ireland. We also organise a number of courses and events around the country, including our orchestral conducting workshops at MTU Cork School of Music during the summer, the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, and the Festival of Youth Orchestras, to name but a few!

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

A few years ago I probably would have said out at a gig, but since the pandemic, I’ve found that my attitudes to socialising have changed a lot. In recent years, I’ve found that most Saturdays, I’d rather be out on a day trip, visiting historical sites or out on a long nature walk and not feeling wrecked after a late night. We are spoiled in Cork with so many beautiful forests, coastal areas, old ruins, and heritage sites. I still enjoy going out at night but prefer activities that don’t necessarily involve alcohol or a pub. I was delighted to see the trial late-night café events in Cork before Christmas.

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

It really depends; I’m not opposed to a good lie-in but if the weather is good, I’m always keen to get out there and make the most of it.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

I really try to not let it! I am very strict on this with myself. If I start thinking about something work-related, I will tell myself that I will think about it at a set time, ‘Monday morning at 9 am.’

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

I’ve been craving a bit of sun lately, so perhaps Seville, which has really striking Moorish architecture and some incredible opera history. If money was no object, might as well stay in some historic villas as well! I’d of course take my partner.

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

I’m a big West Cork fan, particularly Skibbereen. A perfect Saturday for me would be a wander about the farmers market in Skibb and maybe a good walk around Lough Hyne. West Cork has a really love pace of life.

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

Of course, my brother lives in South Korea so I try to video call with him and his partner as often as possible.

My other brother lives in Dublin and I will visit every other month to go to a play or an exhibition with him. My friends are used to me always suggesting something new to try at weekends whether that’s a talk, a new film, a new art exhibition etc. I do have other family and friends abroad, sometimes I go old school and write them a card or even a letter.

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

I manage to keep myself very busy whether it’s art exhibitions or quizzes or courses. I love all manner of things music, film and art, although my artistic talents are a bit limited! I’ve recently returned to hobbies like scrapbooking, calligraphy and journaling which I used to enjoy as a teenager.

I love gardening and use an app called Merlin to identify any interesting birds that I spot in my garden. We are lucky in Cork to have a huge range of festivals and cultural activities from the Ortús Chamber Music Festival in the spring to IndieCork.

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

I enjoy both. But if I’m entertaining, I’ve always gotten good feedback on roasted red pepper pasta, recipe courtesy of the Minimalist Baker blog which has loads of great vegearian, vegan and plant based recipes to cater to all needs and tastes.

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

I am a big fan of Myo for a relaxing lunch, especially when the weather is good. There is always a lovely atmosphere on Pope’s Quay with Myo patrons playing music, chatting, playing chess or reading. Myo also hosts a really lovely range of events from outdoor trad sessions to poetry.

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

I generally put my phone away and try to do a bit of a ‘reset’ for the week ahead. I lay out my clothes, prepare any food, look at my calendar, and maybe try to organise some activities to look forward to.

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

As late as possible. I am fortunate that I live very close to my workplace. Occasionally, I will get up a little earlier so I can start my Monday morning with some podcasts, meditation, or maybe yoga before I get stuck into work.

Anything else you are up to right now...

I’m busy preparing for the IAYO 29th Festival of Youth Orchestras, which takes place on Saturday, 8 February, in the National Concert Hall, Dublin.

More than 400 young musicians from around Ireland will be performing. It’s very exciting as we approach our 30th festival anniversary in 2026! Cork ETB Junior Orchestra will be performing, and so will the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, as well as six other orchestras and ensembles from across the country.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble, so it will be a very special performance! You can find read more about the Festival and buy tickets at nch.ie.