My Weekend: 'I'm happy binge-watching a good boxset'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work:

My name is David, I am a proud father to my two fabulous children Anna and Adam, and husband to my beautiful wife Annmarie. I have been lucky enough to spend the last 23 and a bit years working for M&S covering multiple roles and the last five years I have been store manager at Douglas Village, Clonmel and now most recently Cork Patrick Street.

My retail journey started at a very young age in our then family business, Longs shop, in the corner of the Lough. It was there where I really honed my skills and found my love of dealing with the public. I was working with my grandmother, Kitty Clifford on a Saturday morning in the Qual Quay, whether that was selling bits and bobs or Christmas trees and holly.

I have come a long way from those days, right now I have proudly taken the position of store manager in M&S Patrick Street, the same store I first started in as a temporary staff member back in April 2002. Working for M&S hasn’t just been good for me in my career but also has had a massive impact on my personal life as its where I met my wife, which has in turn led me to my best role, being a dad.

I am also a member of the Cork Business Association where we are doing some impactful work to help promote and support local retail in our great city.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

I would love to say that it’s out on the town having an adventure in and around our city, but as I’ve gotten older I’m definitely just as happy at home binge-watching a good boxset with my wife while the kids are asleep.. (sometimes!!)

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

Without a doubt I’m an early riser. A quick overnight charge for me and I’m ready to go seize the day (with coffee… obviously).

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

I work in retail which means weekends are key to my working week. Weekends and key seasonal events are when the hustle and bustle kicks in. If you don’t enjoy this element of the job, then retail isn’t for you, but it is most definitely for me!

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

That’s a simple question for me. New York City. My wife and I have had fantastic breaks there and we never fail to find something new and unique to do while visiting the city. One on our wishlist is to take our children there, hopefully sooner rather than later.

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

One of my favourite places to get a quick recharge or simply clear my head is the top of Camden in Crosshaven, looking out to Cobh and Spike Island. I spent many a summer as a child in Crosshaven and in the evening time we would walk up to the top of Camden and look out to the boats. It holds many great memories of me.

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

For me, whether at work or not, the weekend is always about catching up with family, both my own and my in-laws. One standing tradition I have, every Sunday morning my oldest friend John and I catch up over a coffee sometimes solo, other times with our kids.

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

My days of running out onto a football pitch are long gone, but I am blessed recently to be able to watch my little girl Anna run out for Rockmount’s girls’ team, and look forward to taking Adam in the near future.

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

I prefer to entertain, I am known for making a good Sunday roast.

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

My favourite spot for a cup of coffee, is our M&S coffee shop of course!

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

Sunday nights in our home are all about our family routine, getting school and work ready for the week, followed by a glass of wine, movie and popcorn.

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

Up and at ’em at 6.30am every Monday, ready for a new week.