My Weekend: I love to entertain and cook a roast beef dinner or a pot of stew

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work:

I’m a Douglas girl, from Donnybrook, but these days home is Crosshaven with my husband Peter and our two kids, Dafne and Archie.

Living by the sea was the best decision we made. There’s something about it that just slows everything down, even on the busiest weeks.

Workwise I’m self-employed, and no two weeks look the same. I do a lot of public speaking, and I run my own fitness business, derval.ie. It’s an online platform with workouts designed for busy people who want to get stronger.

Every now and then I pop up on telly too, mostly for athletics coverage, which is a lovely way to stay close to the sport I love.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Feet up at home, without a doubt. A lovely dinner, a glass of wine, and something good on the telly.

After a busy week, that’s pure bliss for me.

Lie-ins or up with the lark?

Lie-ins, every time. I’ll be honest, I hate getting up early. If I can sneak in an extra hour at the weekend, I’m a happy woman.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Regularly! My business is a digital one so there’s no such thing as a work day in that.

I also coach and mentor in athletics, and that world is very weekend-based, so Saturdays and Sundays often have elements of that. But it never really feels like work when it’s something you’re that passionate about.

If money was no object, where would you head on a weekend city break, and who would you bring?

New York, and I’d meet my best mate Karen Shinkins there. She lives in Atlanta, so it’d be handy for her to hop up. The two of us let loose in Manhattan for a weekend? Dangerous, but brilliant.

Closer to home, is there somewhere you like to recharge the batteries?

Baltimore in West Cork is my happy place. The minute I get there, I can feel myself switching off. The views, the sea air, the pace of life. It’s my reset button.

Do you like to catch up with family and friends at the weekend?

I do, though with two kids and all their activities, our weekends can be absolutely packed. But we always make time when we can.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies?

Athletics will always be number one for me, whether I’m coaching or supporting.

I also love tennis, and I’ve become a bit obsessed with growing my own vegetables.

There’s nothing like bringing something from the garden straight to the dinner table.

Entertain or be entertained? Do you have a signature dish?

Entertain! I love having people over and cooking something hearty and comforting. A roast beef dinner or a big pot of stew is my go-to. Good food, good company, and nobody has to rush home.

Where are your go-to spots in Cork for coffee, lunch, and a special meal?

For coffee, it’s Three Fools in Douglas Court.

Lunch would be Cronin’s in Crosshaven, which is a real local gem.

For a special meal, I head west to Jacob’s in Baltimore to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine there.

Sunday night comes around too fast. How do you normally spend it?

I’m very boring, I try to organise the house on a Sunday night and get everything planned for the week ahead.

What time does your alarm go off on Monday morning?

My two kids are my alarm, I’m normally awake at 7.40 (which I know is late).

My husband is an early bird and up early with the kids but by 7.40 they want me!

Anything else you are up to right now?

On Saturday, November 28 I’ve been invited to speak at the Kenya Ball, a very special event hosted by Irish charity Brighter Communities Worldwide, which will take place in the Radisson Blu, Little Island.

The event will bring people together for an evening of celebration and entertainment while raising vital funds for the charity’s work alongside communities in Kenya where Brighter Communities Worldwide works to deliver locally led programmes in health, education and resilience.

Its work aims to improve quality of life and create brighter, more equitable futures, with a particular focus on supporting girls, women, young people, and people with disabilities.

I travelled to Kenya earlier this year as a guest of the Irish Embassy, which was a hugely meaningful experience, giving me a greater appreciation of the difference that locally led community development can make.

I’m delighted to be part of the Kenya Ball and to have the opportunity to share my experience.