My Weekend: 'I love to get out on my boat... it’s stress relief'

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Originally from Carrigaline, I now live in Rushbrooke, Cobh.

I am married to Susan, who is a Hospitality Lecturer. We have three children, Ella, Faye, and Finn.

Ella is 20, studying International Law in Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Faye, 19, is studying Commerce in UCC; whilst Finn is in second year in CBC.

We can’t forget about the dog, Gigi, a four-year-old Labrador/Visla, who runs the show.

As a Sales Manager for Cork Truck Services / Mercedes Benz Trucks, no day is the same.

Trucks were an integral part of my upbringing as my dad had concrete trucks with Readymix, so to say it comes naturally is fairly genuine.

They say, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life”.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Catching up with friends in the local country pub, always a laugh at the end of the week, good for the soul.

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

Generally, we are early risers in our house, it can be difficult to shake off the early starts of the week’s routine.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Invariably, work is always in the background.

We support a lot of tractor and truck runs, in particular those for a good cause.

Customers appreciate you always being contactable. Transport is not a 9-5, Monday - Friday gig.

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

Paris, for certain. I’d bring my wife, as we got engaged in Paris and it would be good to retrace those steps again.

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

Boats… I love boats! We have a seven-metre rib which I enjoy, whether in the water or out of it. During the winter, I carry out servicing and maintenance. It is also a good form of stress relief.

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

Yes, we usually spend time with my mum, Ann, in Carrigaline.

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

I enjoy organising Fort2Fort, however you won’t find me on a bike!

I participate in BSB Superbike racing and offshore fishing, and I also enjoy a spot of gardening!

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

I cook a mean rib of beef on the bone, seared well, finished in the oven, served rare with my speciality gratin potatoes.

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

We have long-standing fond family members of the Bosun in Monkstown, in particular the Chicken Oscar. I also enjoy The Elm Tree with work colleagues.

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

After a day out on the water, Sunday evening is always dinner with the family at home.

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

6am is my usual start… walk the dog, get ready for the day ahead.

Anything else you are up to right now...

As a former President of Cobh Lions Club, I became involved with the Fort2Fort Charity Cycle event several years back.

Ever since, it has been impossible to say no, in particular to my comrade, Sam Beamish.

I’m looking forward to this year’s cycle on Saturday, June 14.

The cycle starts at Fort Camden in Crosshaven and offers cyclists a choice of 60km, 90km, or 120km routes around Cork Harbour.

Funds raised will go to the Mercy University Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Appeal, along with four local Lions Clubs.

Cyclists can register at www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie or on the morning of the cycle at Fort Camden for €60.