Person to Person: Poet Jennifer Horgan says she's a spendthrift...but mostly in charity shops 

Tell us about yourself:

I’m a secondary school English teacher, a columnist, and a poet.

I spent 12 years abroad, teaching in London and Abu Dhabi, before coming home in 2018.

I wrote for The Echo when I was in my early twenties so got back in touch when I came home, writing features initially. Then I wrote a Secret Teacher column for the Irish Examiner for a few years, culminating in a non-fiction book published by Orpen Press.

For the last two years, I’ve been writing a Friday column for the Irish Examiner. It’s an honour.

As for poetry, I’ve been scribbling since I was a small child.

Where were you born?

Cork city

Where do you live?

Cork city - full circle.

Family?

I come from a family of six and now have my own family of five - two girls and a boy, and a dog named Nero.

Best friend?

Too difficult. Next question.

Earliest childhood memory?

I’m looking down at my feet, scaling the rubble of what was going to be my house. I’m wearing red boots and I’m pretty sure I have them on the wrong feet. I still struggle with the small things.

Person you most admire?

Too many to name one, but I have huge respect for my parents who maintain a sunny outlook no matter what. My parents-in-law are also deeply optimistic and kind. My sister. My husband.

Person who most irritates you?

Myself - when I don’t manage those small things.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Myself and my husband (then boyfriend) took a weekend trip to Edinburgh when we were in our twenties. There was something magical about it, from start to finish. We couldn’t afford to eat out so we had picnics instead. It was simple and perfect. I remember the Pulp song Babies playing in a shop, and thinking about our future together.

Favourite TV programme?

Schitt’s Creek.

Favourite radio show?

I listen to RTÉ One quite a bit. I like Matt Cooper on Today FM. Mostly, I listen to podcasts.

Your signature dish if cooking?

It’s too rare an event to warrant the word ‘signature’.

Favourite restaurant?

My uncle’s restaurant in Kinsale - Man Friday.

Last book you read?

Clear, by Carys Davies - wonderful stuff.

Best book you read?

Too difficult, but the book that made me fall in love with words was Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I think she’s a very underrated writer.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks.

Favourite song?

Depends on my mood. Today I’m going to say Joan Armatrading’s Love And Affection.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Can I go back in time? I’d like to see The Band’s final show on November 25, 1976, in San Fransico. That stage was heaving with talent.

Do you have a pet?

Yes - Nero. We have had him since last year and he is the best. He’s very little and likes to bark at very big dogs.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning - but I’m getting lazier as I age. I like to spend mornings working in bed if I’m not teaching.

Your proudest moment?

Having my three babies.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift, but mostly in charity shops.

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

The bus service. I would rather not drive but the infrastructure makes you feel like an idiot a lot of the time.

What makes you happy?

Ordinary things like being at home or wandering under trees in nice weather.

How would you like to be remembered?

As somebody who was kind.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m doing a few creative projects through the City Council. It is such a privilege to sit and listen to other people’s stories.

I particularly enjoy listening to the stories of older people. I never met my grandparents so there’s something wonderful about revisiting the past that way.

See www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie.