Person to Person: 'My proudest moment...reopening Sea Church in just three months'

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Oliver Falter, and I’m the General Manager and Managing Director of Flynn Cush Hospitality Group.

I currently oversee Sea Church Ballycotton, The Salty Dog Restaurant (also in Ballycotton), Cush Midleton and the Ballycotton Sea Adventures - with more exciting restaurant projects on the horizon.

After many years in the hospitality industry across Europe, I’m now based in East Cork and feel very lucky to call this place home.

I live here with my fiancée Nadja, who is a visual artist, and together we’re also working on plans to open a creative little café in the future.

Where were you born?

I was born in Düsseldorf, in the west of Germany.

Where do you live?

In Midleton, County Cork.

Family?

I live with my amazing fiancée Nadja and our two dogs, Gatsby and Bruno.

Best friend?

That would be Nadja - no question.

Earliest childhood memory?

Feeding ducks at a lake with my grandfather and accidentally falling in. I was soaked - but couldn’t stop laughing.

Person you most admire?

My mother - always strong, kind, and full of warmth.

Person who most irritates you?

People who take themselves too seriously.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

A road trip through all of Europe with Nadja. No real plan - just the open road, great music, and the best company.

Favourite TV programme?

Pastewka - a brilliantly funny German comedy show.

Favourite radio show?

Today With Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 is a nice morning companion.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Risotto - ideally shared with Nadja and a good bottle of wine.

Favourite restaurant?

The Salty Dog in Ballycotton - I’m biased, but I truly love the atmosphere and the food.

Last book you read?

Harry Potter - still magical after all these years.

Best book you read?

Also Harry Potter - hard to beat that storytelling.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Willennium, by Will Smith - a classic!

Favourite song?

Hard to pick one, but I really enjoy house music in general.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Jennifer Lopez.

Do you have a pet?

Yes - Gatsby and Bruno, two hilarious and lovable dogs.

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl, 100%.

Your proudest moment?

Reopening Sea Church with a fantastic team in just three months and bringing it back to life.

Also, launching The Salty Dog and Cush Midleton - and seeing all three venues thrive is something I’m truly proud of.

Spendthrift or saver?

Let’s say... learning to be a saver!

Name one thing you would improve in the area where you live:

More public transport options - especially to and from the villages.

What makes you happy?

Sharing great food, good conversation, and relaxed moments with the people I care about.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who brought people together and created something lasting and positive.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Alongside our day-to-day operations, we’re planning new hospitality ventures, refining our systems, and slowly building towards the dream of opening a unique café/art space with Nadja.