Person to Person: 'I actually really love where I live...we have a really nice little community'

Tell us about yourself;

Howya Baiis. I’m Bláithin Mac Gabhann, an actor/singer/dancer from Cork Citaaay. What’s the craic, how’s your mam.

Where were you born?

I was born in St Finbarr’s Hospital back when that was a thing. And I grew up around various parts of Cork city, but mostly upstairs in The Corner House, my parents’ pub.

Where do you live?

In the Ballyphehane side of Togher. Very nice part of town, even if it is, unfortunately, on the south side.

Family?

I do indeed have a family, yes.

Best friend?

Woof, sorry lads but I think we all know it’s Sadhbh Moriarty.

Earliest childhood memory?

A girl called Caitriona McNeesh (sp?) answering our teacher. She was five years old, it was junior infants, and she knew what gravity was. I was like, wow, that’s the smartest person alive.

Person you most admire?

I don’t think I can answer this, I admire too many people for too many reasons.

Person who most irritates you?

I mean, there are plenty, but let’s say Micheál Martin.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

In December, I went to Berlin with a gang of my friends, lovingly known as The Blob. Highlight was playing Cabo for five hours straight.

Favourite TV programme?

Currently, Twin Peaks. A new obsession I developed in 2025. I went to two Season One marathons in the cinema last year.

Favourite radio show?

John Creedon on Radio One.

Your signature dish if cooking?

A very bastardised version of Chicken Paprikash that I got from my Junior Cert Home Economics book. (Hello Mrs Fogarty!)

Favourite restaurant?

Cafe Paradiso. Best food in the entire world. And the best staff to match.

Last book you read?

I’m not comfortable telling you that because it is Twilight.

Best book you read?

A Ghost In The Throat by Doireann Ni Griofa. Or Tender Is The Flesh by Augusta Bazterra (would not recommend for the squeamish).

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Last one I physically bought was What Would Christ Do by The Growl because they removed it from all streaming platforms. Took me a long time to find somewhere to buy it.

Favourite song?

For dancing, Never Too Much by Luther Vandross. For singing, anything by Jeff Buckley. Of all time? Is It A Crime by Sade.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Rois. Obsessed. I simply must see her live.

Do you have a pet?

No but my mom adopted a little messer recently named Sonny.

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl. Recently, so much so that I was falling asleep at 10am and waking up at 6pm. My body yearns for the night.

Your proudest moment?

Performing Dancing At Lughnasa in The National in London. Absolutely insane experience.

Spendthrift or saver?

Absolutely useless with money. If that’s what spendthrift means.

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

I actually really love where I live. We have a really nice little community. Coffee shop, parks, shops, etc. I’m very lucky.

What makes you happy?

Making my friends laugh.

How would you like to be remembered?

As an absolute chancer.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Not much love, how are you getting on? (I’m in rehearsal for Infinity in the Cork Arts Theatre, which opens on February 5 www.corkartstheatre.com)

Bláithín Mac Gabhann is an actor/singer/dancer and will be playing the role of Sarah Jean in Infinity by Hannah Moscovitch, opening at Cork Arts Theatre on February 5. Directed by Julie Kelleher, it is the first of the Re-Directing Programme 2026, a series of contemporary plays platforming three Cork theatre directors, produced by Cork Arts Theatre and funded by the Arts Council. www.corkartstheatre.com