Person to Person: 'I cook most evenings..I like putting music on and working away'

Tell us about yourself;

I’m a writer from the west of Ireland. My debut novel, The Visit, was published in March of this year. I have an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Limerick and live in Cork with my wife Sinead, where I work as a dentist.

Where were you born?

I was born in Portiuncula Hospital, County Galway, a few days before our family moved to Ballina, County Mayo, where I grew up.

Where do you live?

I live in Bishopstown, Cork.

Family?

I’m married to Sinead, and have five siblings scattered far and wide.

Best friend?

In an answer that might make many people squirm, Sinead is of course, my best friend. Beyond that, there’s a decent bunch vying for the runner-up spot.

Earliest childhood memory?

I have a surprisingly clear memory of my first heartbreak - the 1995 FA Cup Final. There were carpets being changed at home, and I remember sitting outside on a rolled-up carpet, devastated by Man United’s loss.

Person you most admire?

I answered this question in another interview, and more than any one person, I admire the individuals and families facing serious illness with real strength and dignity.

Person who most irritates you?

Again, I’ll go non-specific, but anybody who blasts their phone in shared spaces without headphones. It’s one of many ways we’ve just drifted away from basic manners that had become norms over centuries.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Iceland – it really is an otherworldly place.

Favourite TV programme?

I think The Wire is the best TV programme, but my favourite is Friday Night Lights,which is as much about small towns, family, and social issues as it is about sports. Brilliantly written, very moving, great soundtrack, and a fantastic cast.

Favourite radio show?

I mostly listen to radio coming in and out of work, but the odd evening I find myself on a drive listening to Mystery Train with John Kelly on Lyric FM, and I always enjoy it.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I cook most evenings. I like putting music on and working away. Anthony Bourdain’s seven-hour lamb, if it’s ever called for. It really isn’t complicated, and most of the time just involves leaving it be in the oven.

Favourite restaurant?

Staying local and, depending on the occasion, Paradiso or anything in Hayfield Manor for something special, but recent great meals in Cork include Sonflour, Da Mirco, or just a board of food and drinks in Meade’s, Brennans, or L’Atitude.

Last book you read?

I usually have more than one on the go, right now it’s Garrett Carr’s The Boy From The Sea, Donal P. McCracken’s biography of John Nicholson, and Thomas Flanagan’s The Tenants Of Time.

Best book you read?

This answer could change on a given day, but Cormac McCarthy’s All The Pretty Horses is always up there.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Beach Songs by Doctor Mirabilis on Bandcamp.

Favourite song?

Like a favourite book, this is a changeable answer, but probably Idiot Wind by Bob Dylan. Bruce Springsteen’s The River is classic storytelling songwriting, Van Morrison’s And the Healing Has Begun. There could be hundreds based on the day, mood, weather, drink, or occasion.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I’ve been lucky to see most of my favourites at one point or another. If I could pick anybody alive or dead, I’d love to have seen a prime Warren Zevon, or Elvis for the presence alone.

Do you have a pet?

Not since some childhood fish went belly up.

Morning person or night owl?

Both.

Your proudest moment?

I don’t believe that pride is a sin, but do believe it’s best kept to oneself.

Spendthrift or saver?

A spendthrift suggests wasting money – I try to spend on things that are essential, and things that are enjoyable. Somewhere right down the middle, I think.

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

For months, this answer would have been to turn the Counting House into a public library. Cork City Council deserve huge praise for that decision – everybody will benefit from a real cultural hub right in the middle of the city. Fingers crossed it all goes ahead as planned.

What makes you happy?

Books, music, my wife, rooftop bars.

How would you like to be remembered?

It would depend on who’s doing the remembering, but overall it won’t make much difference to me.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m always writing, and am in the middle of spreading four tonnes of sand and compost in the garden using a punctured wheelbarrow.

• Neil Tully will be at the West Cork Literary Festival on Saturday, July 11, at 11.30am in Bantry Bookshop. He will be reading from his book, The Visit, which is set in June, 1963, at the time of John F.Kennedy’s momentous visit to New Ross. This is a FREE event, and all are welcome. See: www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie