Cork's Ray returns to TV screens in new children's show 

Tell us about yourself;

I’m a Cork man, and I work in lots of different areas of media and performance. I’m mad into sport and music.

I grew up in the countryside in North Cork, where I still spend a bit of time these days, running with my dog in the Ballyhoura Mountains and just to get out out of the city for a few hours.

I’m delighted to be working as a puppeteer on a new show for RTÉ Kids. I had never really planned to be a puppeteer, but it’s just how it turned out. On reflection, it’s definitely down to inspiration from watching Zig and Zag and Dustin as a kid. They were so unbelievably funny and subversive. I still love them!

Where were you born?

I was born in Cork city, I grew up in Doneraile in North Cork. Mighty spot!

Where do you live?

I live in Cork city, near Barrack Street and Douglas Street, in the area known as South Parish. It’s very atmospheric, historic, and beautiful. I love it.

Family?

I live with my wife, Belú, and our cat, Gomez. My brother and his family live in the city too, and other siblings as well. It’s great because I love spending time with my little nieces and nephews.

Best friend?

My best friend is Billy, he’s the perfect best buddy because he’s a genius artist and is always up to crazy schemes and adventures.

Earliest childhood memory?

The month of August is very evocative for me, it makes me think of climbing on hay bales. And also my dad used to race hotrod cars on grass in an old VW Beetle. Beautiful memories of race meetings, a GAA match blaring out the car window, chip vans, and incredible motor sport!

Person you most admire?

John B Keane for his wisdom and wit. Or Brother Kevin Crowley for his selflessness and kindness. Or JBM!!

Person who most irritates you?

Any right-wing populist of your choice…

Where was your most memorable holiday?

A road trip in Scotland, up north, out west, and away into the Hebrides!!

Favourite TV programme?

Bellie And Whizz Start School on RTÉ Kids

Favourite radio show?

Ahem, Weekend Late Date on RTÉ Radio 1 …

Your signature dish if cooking?

Chips and chops!! Whoah, baby!!

Favourite restaurant?

Da Mirco on Bridge Street, oh my days…

Last book you read?

Expert In A Dying Field by Patrick Freyne

Best book you read?

City Of Bohane by Kevin Barry

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Just pre-ordered the new one by Trá Pháidín, Cloch ‘s Claí, they’re amazing!

Favourite song?

Clampdown by The Clash

One person you would like to see in concert?

Rory, of course, I can’t imagine those shows from the early ’70s, he was so explosive!

Do you have a pet?

A cat called Gomez, and my mam has a dog called Jessiedog who I also claim custody of.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning, hook me up with that coffee!

Your proudest moment?

I’m really proud of my career. There are times that a creative career can sometimes seem futile, but I think I’ve just stuck with it long enough!

Spendthrift or saver?

I bought a house last year and so I can save nothing, and I’ve got non-stop bills to pay.

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

The wheelie-bins cause complete clutter of the footpaths! It’s ridiculous for access and safety.

What makes you happy?

Time with family and friends, of course. Having a laugh. Being inspired. Going for a run.

How would you like to be remembered?

‘He was sound…’

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m working on Series 3 of Wednesday for Netflix, and I present Weekend Late Date on Radio 1.

Ray Cuddihy joins Gráinne Bleasdale (Bluey as Gaeilge) for Bellie And Whizz At Big School. Produced by GMarsh TV for RTÉ KIDSjr in association with Coimisiún na Meán, it beginson RTÉ KIDSjr on Monday, August 24 at 10am and is repeated at 13:55pm. The series box set will be available to watch online on RTÉ Player https://www.rte.ie/player/kids after the first episode airs.