My Weekend: 'Friday nights are for hurling coaching and training'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work:

I was born in Tacumshane, Co Wexford, in August ’56. I have one sister, Carmel, and a brother, Gerry, who sadly passed away in January 2021 during covid, extremely sad as only a few people were at his funeral, one of the really difficult challenges for people during covid. I was actually stopped by the Guards asking me what I was doing driving to Wexford, only to tell them I was going to my brother’s funeral.

My parents, Michael and Josephine, had a shop, pub, and farm in the village of Tacumshane. Dad was a huge influence on me due to his work ethic, the value of dedication, perseverance and pride in what you do. This was his overall approach to life. My mother, originally from Moneenroe, Killkenny, was the manageress of Murphy Floods Hotel in Enniscorthy, where she met Dad.

I married my wife Stella Bowles in December 1983, and we have two great children: Sarah, a school principal in Wexford, and David, a football coach. We have three grandchildren: Alanna, Brody and Ella Rose — beautiful kids, great energy and absolute treasures.

During school, I worked on the farm, pub etc. Tough, hard, physical work in those days, all intensive labour, etc., trying to get to the disco in Cedars Hotel in Rosslare on Sunday nights. All three of us went to boarding school. It was the Franciscan College, Gormanston, for me from 1969-74; 450 boarders, 90 in each year, really enjoyed it.

Sport played a large part in my early life; football, hurling and handball. I then attended UCC from 74-78, studying chemistry. Worked in CMP after college, and in 1992 joined RTC, now MTU. I spent 32 great years at MTU lecturing in business. I absolutely loved the college – great staff – and I retired in 2022.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Friday nights are spent hurling coaching and training. This is usually from 6-9pm and then I like to have a few pints of Heineken 0.0 after.

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

No lie ins , I get up at 7-7.30am every morning, breakfast and go to Mass every day. Mass gives me peace and [it’s] great to connect with my faith. It’s a daily habit and allows for spiritual growth.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

As I’m retired, my weekends are spent training or going to or watching matches, playing golf, cycling, or swimming.

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

Rome. We’ve been in Rome a few times, and it’s fabulous; the attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, treasures everywhere, history, art, Roma and Lazio football clubs. I went to the Ryder Cup there in 2023 — fabulous. My wife comes with me — absolutely fantastic at organising trips away.

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

Caherdaniel and Parknasilla in South Kerry are a haven of peace, great to chill out, beautiful beaches, restaurants, Blind Piper, etc., and great for cycling on the WAW. Also, I love Garretstown, Banna Beach in Kerry, and Bannow Beach in Wexford for swimming.

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

I’m not great at meeting up. I am more open to meeting anytime by chance, etc.

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

Sport has always been my hobby, ever since I was a child. Dad brought me everywhere to matches, ingrained in me the love of the GAA and soccer. Now I play golf every day in Cobh Golf Club; fantastic course and great friends there. Also, cycle and swim every day. Love the Listowel Races.

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

I love to be entertained, love to go to events where the craic is good... I love steak well done with onions, chips, and garlic sauce.

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

I only have coffee while I’m on the road.

For lunch, Barry’s in Douglas is excellent, the Rochestown Park Hotel carvery is super.

For a special meal, I let my wife pick out the restaurant.

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

Having a social drink with my wife and friends and getting ready for golf on a Monday morning.

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

7-7.30am I’m up ready for road, listen to Ian Dempsey on Today FM, breakfast, mass, golf.

Anything else you are up to right now...

I have a number of projects in the pipeline that people ask me to develop, analyse etc. It’s not onerous, and it doesn’t interfere with hurling or golf.

Bucket list ….

I would love to lead out a winner at Cheltenham Races.