My Weekend: 'I do love a lie in when I can fit one in'

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Shaunagh McCarthy and I am a 26-year-old proud Cork woman living in Ballincollig. I am living there with my mom, dad and younger sister Aisling. I also have two older siblings, my brother Adam and my sister Sara. I am lucky to also have two nephews and a niece who all live relatively close by and we get to see each other often.

As people would say, I took the back door to begin my college education. I began by going to a Post Leaving Cert college after the Leaving Cert. I attended Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa where I completed the coaching and physical education course.

I personally benefited from this year so much. It was a great year for growth and learning what college is all about. I received a distinction in the course and I was able to move on to attend UCC where I completed my undergraduate studies in Geography and History.

I finally completed my master’s degree in management and marketing. Throughout my four years at UCC I was honoured to be awarded a sports scholarship every year for women’s soccer. During this time I was lucky to win the intervarsity competition back-to-back along with the university’s futsal competition where we got to go to Split, Croatia, to represent Ireland and UCC in the European University Futsal championship in 2023.

I have been playing with Cork City FC since 2019 and have more than 100 appearances in competitions to date. We train three nights a week and we have a game every Saturday from March to November so it can be pretty full-on all year round. It is like another full time job at times, but I appreciate being able to play at the highest level in the country and represent Cork City FC with pride. I am looking forward to the upcoming season which will be my eighth year with the club.

I am currently working in Clearstream Fund Services as a senior analyst and have been here since November 2023.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Most Friday nights, I finish up work earlier so I can get to training. It is usually a light session due to playing a match on the Saturday. We also spend time doing video analysis on the opposition to get an idea of what we are going to face. If, on the rare occasion, we might have a weekend off, you will probably find me on the sideline of a pitch somewhere either at soccer, hurling, camogie or Gaelic football games. Whatever seems the best match on that night.

Lie ins or up with the lark?

Majority of the time I’m up early either for work, matches or trying to get a gym or recovery session in but I do love a lie in whenever I’m able to fit one in.

Does work creep into your weekend?

Luckily it doesn’t. Once the laptop closes on Friday it won’t be touched again until Monday.

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

I would definitely return to Dubai with my boyfriend David. We went there in November 2025 and we still speak about it every single day. It was such a surreal experience.

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

Sunday would be my only free day really and more often than not I spend them out supporting my boyfriend playing hurling and football with his GAA club.

Each Sunday evening we look to get out for a long walk around different parts of Cork just to catch our breath and talk through what’s happening with the week coming. If the weather is good we like to venture to my favourite place which would have to be Garrettstown beach.

My grandparents have a mobile home down there so I would have spent a lot of my childhood summers growing up down there with my cousin Saoirse. When we have less time, we like to try to go down to the Marina or else just walk around the areas where we both live.

There are other ways I like to recharge the batteries such as getting my nails done with Mary Kate, (Marykatexbeauty on Instagram). I also like to get my eyebrows done with Amy (Amysbeautyclinic on Instagram).

They are both great at what they do but I mainly enjoy our chats each month as they are both so easy to get along with. I also appreciate how they will always fit me in even with my busy schedule and give me last minute appointments. As the saying goes — look good, feel good, play good!

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

I love to catch up with family and friends as much as I can — especially my nana, grandad and aunty Fiona. It can be challenging at times to find time to meet up with people while the season is on as every second weekend we are on the road to an away game but when possible I definitely make a big effort.

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

I really enjoy watching matches. Any sport really, but my main choices would be hurling or Gaelic football. I enjoy it because it gives my brain a break from soccer but also I get to feel the competitive edge and enjoy the emotions of it all, especially during championship time.

I have also taken up a bit of soccer coaching which I am enjoying thoroughly. It is a nice way to pass on some knowledge to the next generation and also to give back to the sport I love and has given me a lot over the years.

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

I definitely prefer being entertained. I love taking the opportunity to relax and enjoy a meal with friends and family.

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

I wouldn’t be a coffee drinker but I am a tea lover. If I’m in town I like to visit Dulce Bun House for a cup of tea and some mini pancakes to satisfy my sweet tooth.

For lunch, I believe you can’t look past the Marina Market. It’s a one stop shop and there is a choice for absolutely anyone down there along with great vibes no matter what day of the week it is. For a special meal, I’d say it’s a three-way tie. In no particular order, my favourite spots are The Elm Tree in Glounthaune, Thompsons on MacCurtain St, and Cornstore on Cornmarket St. It’s impossible to choose just one — the food is consistently top-notch, and the service is warm and welcoming at all three locations.

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

Sunday night would be a reset night for me. I would usually be making my lunch for work on Monday. I then move onto packing my work bag, making sure I have my laptop and other bits and bobs I use on a daily basis. I also pack my training bag which consists of correct training gear, football boots, water and a snack that I can have between work and training to tie me over until I’m home to have my dinner. I love winding down by getting into bed with a cup of tea and aiming for an early night’s sleep so I’m ready to tackle another hectic yet enjoyable week.

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

Usually the first alarm will go off around 6am but I do tend to press snooze once or twice…..