Person to Person: 'We haven't had a TV in 25 years, but I watch and listen to YouTube'

Tell us about yourself;

I’m a retired information technology manager turned healthcare chaplain who retraced my Glenamaddy Granny Cunningham’s footsteps back to Ireland.

Where were you born?

I was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in the U.S - half-way between Boston and New York City.

Where do you live?

Mahon in Cork - the elbow of the Lee. Nine years here - loving every minute.

Family?

I live with my wife, Virginia Giglio, and back in the U.S we have two sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Best friend?

That has to be my ‘Wall Of Wisdom’ 8am coffee group in Blackrock Village.

Earliest childhood memory?

As a toddler, on my first snowy winter day, my dad brought a snowball into the kitchen for me, and I got to play with it in the sink.

Person you most admire?

My chaplaincy patients/clients. Everyday heroes who face adversity with courage and kindness; without fanfare or spin.

Person who most irritates you?

Let’s just say that I identify myself as a refugee from ‘Trumpistan’.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

It would be tough to beat this year’s Blackrock Village Festival - perfect day / great craic - if there was only a beach it would have been prefect.

Favourite TV programme?

We haven’t had a TV in 25 years.

Favourite radio show?

I watch/listen to YouTube for stories about how things work in medicine and technology, as well as historical information.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Anything Italian, from almond cookies to lasagna.

Favourite restaurant?

My wife, Virginia, and I are regulars at Blackrock Castle Cafe. After all, given the chance, who wouldn’t want to eat in a castle?

Last book you read?

Forged: Writing in the Name of God - Why the Bible’s Authors Are Not Who We Think They Are, by Bart D Ehrman.

Best book you read?

Brunelleschi’s Dome: The Story of the Great Cathedral in Florence, by Ross King

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Frugit (hip hop, electro jazz) on Apple Music and YouTube - it reminds me of my cat.

Favourite song?

One of my daughters recently gave me an ear worm for the Jack Sparrow music video spoof with The Lonely Island and Michael Bolton.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Easy one - that would be me, playing 2nd violin in the Cork Light Orchestra.

Do you have a pet?

Two cats - one orange, one tuxedo - they run the house.

Morning person or night owl?

Almost always up until midnight.

Your proudest moment?

Whenever I see one of my adult children doing something particularly wise or kind.

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

I wish more people would get involved in local community improvement projects like Tidy Towns.

What makes you happy?

I continue to enjoy martial arts, even after 50+ years of it. I practice Aikido and Tai Chi at Cork Energy Arts Centre. I also enjoy practicing and performing on my violin with the Cork Light Orchestra along with my wife, Virginia, who plays the flute and piccolo.

How would you like to be remembered?

I’ve lived through so many changes; I’d like to be remembered as someone who makes people feel that they can do it, too.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I currently have a project through Cork Unitarian Church where I’m teaching Psychological First Aid to volunteers in community groups who work with potentially traumatised individuals.

Neal Dunnigan will be performing with the Cork Light Orchestra as part of Cork City Culture Night on Friday, September 18. See www.CorkCity.ie/culturenight.