Person to Person: 'I’d like to become the sort of old man people go to for advice'

Tell us about yourself; I’m Arann Blake. A filmmaker and musician from Cork city.

I’m in the band Pretty Happy. We’ve been gigging around Ireland and the wider world the last few years. Most recently we’ve taken a break after recording our debut album.

I formed a film collective last year called Ramallae Dubh, alongside Abreain Blake, Andy Killian and Zoe Greenway. Our first short film, Welfare, premiered in the Galway Film Fleadh in 2025. We just wrapped our second short which we hope to release later this year.

Where were you born? Cork city.

Where do you live? Mayfield.

Family? Besides my mam and dad, I have one sister named Abreaín.

Best friend?

I have a lot of best friends. But my top best friend is Andy Killian. He’s really lovely and easy to talk to. I’d recommend him as a best friend if you’re looking for one. I’m not jealous, so we could share.

Earliest childhood memory?

I thought I was abandoned in Dublin by my parents one night. I had a babysitter but I didn’t realise they were sleeping in the next room. Like some strange version of Home Alone 2, I went out walking in my footsie pajamas in the middle of the night around Clondalkin. Eventually, a Ban Garda found me and kicked down my babysitter’s door. Everyone was upset.

Person you most admire? I admire my Dad. He’s very sure of who he is and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. I try to emulate that as much as I can. Not caring what anyone else thinks is a super-power. You can wear what you want, eat what you want, drink what you want. It’s a healthy mental state to be in.

Person who most irritates you? I met this notable Dublin musician who I can’t name in Dingle before who tried to touch noses with me when I was on the way to the urinal. I think he was trying to fight me, but I don’t know what I did to him. He just really hated me from the drop. I don’t like people who don’t like me.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

When I was four, I was on a sun holiday and my one-year-old sister Abreain was really hassling me. She wouldn’t stop. I was trying to be polite and ignore her but she just kept going and going. So I snapped. Everyone was shocked but really impressed I stood up for myself. So I think just as a moment of self-growth, that has to be my favourite holiday.

Favourite TV programme?

That’s tough. Peep Show, Atlanta, Sopranos, The Curse, Father Ted. They’d all be up there.

Favourite radio show? I’ll say a podcast instead. Revolutions by Mike Duncan has been on my rotation for a long time. He has hours and hours on the French Revolution. If you’re into history, you’ll get addicted to it.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I have this finishing move on everything I cook that’s quite distinctive. I douse the entire plate in sweet hot sauce, covering it so you can’t tell what was underneath before. It’s cool because my friends really know if I cooked a meal or not. If they get an overwhelming taste of hot sauce, they say, “Oh yeah, Arann definitely got his hands on this.”

Favourite restaurant?

Fordes Bar gives out bodice for free every Friday. They also sell Tayto Sandwiches. Not too bad at all.

Last book you read?

The Earlie King & The Kid In Yellow by Danny Denton. What an unbelievable book. I haven’t felt this creatively excited about a book in some time. Danny’s style is so unique. I’d encourage everyone to give it a read.

Best book you read?

That’s hard. I have a good couple I love. Beneath the Underdog by Charles Mingus, The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien, A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor, Heavy by Kiese Laymon, One for the Road by Harold Pinter.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra. Very sad, scary, good stuff.

Favourite song?

The Electrician by The Walker Brothers.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I’ve seen a lot of my favourites. But definitely if Sonic Youth reunites. That would be a big one for me.

Do you have a pet?

I have a shih tzu named Poppy. She’s very bad around other dogs. She wasn’t socialised properly when she was a puppy. But she’s very loyal, and that’s important.

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely night owl. Even though I’m afraid of the dark. So a bit of a catch 22. One of those things. What are you gonna do.

Your proudest moment?

Again, I would have to say when I stood up for myself on that sun holiday when I was four and let my smaller sister know I wasn’t one to be messed with. I think it’s important to stand up for yourself. Now me and Abreain have a really healthy relationship, and I think this moment has a lot to do with that.

Spendthrift or saver?

I can spend a lot of money. They used to have a big wheel in a casino on MacCurtain Street in town. I’m not a huge gambler, but I love that big wheel. The noise it makes as it spins. All the colours. It’s so nice. So yeah, I lost a lot of money on that wheel. A great friend of mine Niamh Santry always tries to get me to put money on digital roulette. So when I’m not around Niamh or that wheel, I’m good at saving money.

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

I wish someone would reopen the Cotton Ball already. It’s been ages. They said it would be re-opened by now, but no sign of life. It’s too far to walk to Henchy’s. When are they reopening the Cotton Ball?

What makes you happy?

Being with friends and family would be best. I think I’m a simple guy. You have to remember to be happy. It’s easy to forget to be happy. You have to remember what you feel lucky for in your life. Also, I like that old bleach smell you get in really old pubs, that makes me happy.

How would you like to be remembered?

I’d like to become the sort of old man people go to for advice. Looking like Santa, beard and belly. With a thick jumper. Spending a lot of time in the back garden, not saying much. With my flowers and my bees. Cats that aren’t mine but still hang around my house. I’d be quiet, but when I do talk, I hope people listen. That’s the last image I want people to have of me.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Myself and my sister Abreain are excited to be on a panel at this year’s First Cut Youth Film Festival and getting the opportunity to see the films entered into the festival this year. It’s such a great festival and we’re honoured to be a part of the fun.

• The First Cut Youth Film Festival (FCYFF) returns to Youghal from March 2-7, bringing together emerging filmmakers from Ireland and beyond. Now in its 17th edition, the festival will screen over 200 short films across six days, offering young filmmakers aged 12 to 25 a platform to showcase their work, participate in workshops, and engage with industry professionals. See www.firstcutfilmfestival.com