Cork man to participate in nail-biting challenge in breaking bad habits

A CORK man is set to undertake a nail-biting challenge as part of a campaign launched by a national radio station.

Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio has officially launched the ‘Give It Up for Niall’ campaign, a month-long initiative inspiring listeners to bid farewell to their bad habits and embrace a healthier lifestyle in 2024.

The campaign, unveiled on the airwaves on Tuesday, is spearheaded by presenter Niall Boylan’s personal commitment to quitting his 45-year smoking habit.

Mr Boylan shared this motivation behind his decision.

“I am spending more than €6,000 a year on cigarettes — that’s just crazy money!”

Reflecting on his first cigarette at 15, he recounted, “I turned green and opened the window and immediately got sick. I then proceeded to ask for another; 45 years later, I am still at it.”

Despite previous attempts to quit, the presenter believes that now, at 60 and happy with his life, he feels he is in a better place to quit for good and fulfil a dream of taking his wife on a holiday to the Seychelles with the money saved.

The ‘Give It Up For Niall’ campaign extends beyond the airwaves, as the presenter asked listeners to give something up with him, inspiring Geraldine Farrell, Trish Buckley, and Luke Mannix to join him, who have pledged to give up smoking, drinking, and nail-biting, respectively.

NAILS 'LIKE STUMPS'

Luke Mannix, 46, a devoted father and former Defence Forces member, of Farranree, Cork, is determined to overcome a life-long struggle with nail-biting, saying: “My nails are like stumps. I have been nibbling on them since I could walk.”

Speaking on the station’s Nighttime Talk on Thursday from Tenerife, Luke said, “Since I was on the radio and paper, I was getting pictures of friends’ finger and toe nails. I have a new name — Nail Boylan.

“It’s easy not to nibble on them while I am on a sun holiday. I am relaxed here. It will be harder when I get back. From Sunday, I will be struggling.”

Speaking exclusively to The Echo, broadcaster Niall Boylan remarked: “We have a very strong listenership in Cork so I was delighted to have a Cork man on board for this campaign.

“Luke sounds great on air and has already delivered the typical Cork humour you would expect. Nail Boylan is a good one.

“Checking in with Luke and the two other volunteers keeps me accountable as well,” he added.

“We are hoping more and more people will get involved as the month goes on.

“It doesn’t matter if you have a slip — five cigarettes is better than 15. That is how I am looking at it.”

Throughout January, Niall will check in with the participants in the challenges every Monday and Thursday night, discussing their progress, and featuring insights from experts on habits and addiction.