Person to Person: What makes me happy? Sunshine, the sea, and time with friends, my partner, and family

Tell us about yourself;

My name is Cathy Walsh. I studied Drama & Theatre Studies in UCC, then Contemporary Dance in UL and moved to Berlin in 2011. In 2024, I trained as an Intimacy Coordinator for film, television and live performance and since then have been splitting my time between Cork and Berlin, working as a dancer, lighting technician, and intimacy co-ordinator.

Where were you born?

Douglas, Cork.

Where do you live?

Between Cork and Berlin.

Family?

My parents, brother and sister-in-law, sister and brother-in-law, three nieces, and two nephews all live in Cork so I see them often, which I love! I live with my partner Joy in Berlin.

Best friend?

I couldn’t pick one, but I have incredible friends from my time in college in Cork who I love dearly.

Earliest childhood memory?

A bird show in Spain on holiday when I was four.

Person you most admire?

My mum! (and maybe Mary Robinson)

Person who most irritates you?

Generic racist ‘Strong Man’ leader of many political parties.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Probably visiting friends in New York for three weeks in 2006. So many stories!

Favourite TV programme?

The Diplomat, but I wanna give honourable mention to The Traitors and Heated Rivalry!

Favourite radio show?

I don’t listen to radio, but NTS is pretty incredible, if I get the chance.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Spaghetti carbonara or risotto - something Italian.

Favourite restaurant?

In Cork, Miyazaki.

Last book you read?

My sister gave me Mother Mary Comes To Me by Arundhati Roy for Christmas, which I devoured and adored, and in it she talks a lot about writing The God Of Small Things, so I read that directly afterwards and loved it. It’s incredible!

Best book you read?

Dancing In The Streets - A History Of Collective Joy by Barbara Ehrenreich. The most fascinating book, about the history and anthropology of people celebrating together!! It’s so gorgeous. It’s my top tip for non-fiction. But for fiction it would be This Is Happiness by Niall Williams... do you see a theme here?

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Kneecap - Fine Art. I haven’t heard their new album Fenian yet.

Favourite song?

Impossible to have a favourite, it’s different every day, but I love a good bop so anything that makes me want to dance. Groove Armada Easy is a classic beaut, and I just discovered a British Pakistani DJ called Ahadadream so I’m dancing round the kitchen to his bangers this week.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I am lucky enough to have seen both my favourite musicians, Kate Bush and George Michael, in concert. I’d love to see Manu Chao live actually!

Do you have a pet?

Not yet, but I really, really want a dog!

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl 100%.

Your proudest moment?

I don’t have any moment in particular. I’m proud of managing to continue working in the arts, it’s hard but rewarding.

Spendthrift or saver?

Saver (except for food).

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

In Berlin, I would love an increase in understanding and support for Palestine, and less police violence.

What makes you happy?

Sunshine, the sea, time with friends, partner, and family. Laughing together.

How would you like to be remembered?

As not taking myself too seriously, and being there for my friends.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m currently dancing in a show in Tromsø, Norway, which is in the Arctic Circle, so it’s 24-hour daylight, which is beautiful but very confusing! I’m looking forward to being in Cork for the Midsummer Festival after this, the programme is incredible! It’s my favourite time of year in Cork.

• Cathy Walsh is the Movement and Intimacy Director for the Cork Arts Theatre production of Nick Payne’s Constellations, directed by Al Dalton, which will open at Cork Arts Theatre on June 17, continuing until June 20, as part of the Cork Midsummer Festival. See: www.corkartstheatre.com.