1. The TV show that makes me laugh is …

A strange one, but Oireachtas Report. The shouting matches, jibes and clipped commentary is hilarious (but alas for all the wrong reasons).

2. The song that makes me dance is …

Proud Mary (but especially me singing Proud Mary).

3. The book that I could not bear to part with is …

I love Mary Kennedy’s books. They are short, thought provoking and full of old world values and charm.

4. The film I could watch time and again is …

Gone with The Wind. In some ways, we are all Scarlett O’ Hara, that Southern Belle trying to hang onto that which we hold dear.

5. The quote that lifts me up is …

I climbed Croagh Patrick and there is a part of the prayer that says: “As I prepare now to climb the cone, I ask for the grace Lord to become free of the compulsion to keep busy and in control and to make time, instead, for what is important; you, me and friends in need. I press on in your name”. I use this as my source of inspiration when facing a difficult journey/life's climb.

6. The meal that brings me comfort is …

Roast stuffed chicken. It brings me back to our childhood and the family, now dispersed, gathered around the table for Sunday dinner.

7. The treat I can’t resist is…

I love the really sour fizzy jellies. No long car journey is complete without them! (Shhh-Don’t tell anyone!)

8. The person that inspires me is …

So many people inspire me in so many different ways. In life, my parents Eddie (now deceased) and Sally gave us a great upbringing with a firm awareness of morality. In business I was always very drawn to the integrity and quest for perfection demonstrated by a former employer of mine, Kathleen Moran, former CEO of Kilkenny Design Centre. In Kilkenny food circles, Kathleen was supporting local food producers and local crafts people when it was not en vogue to do so.

9. The place I can go to get away from it all is …

In our beautiful town of Graiguenamanagh here in Kilkenny we have the most glorious walks along the Barrow line. I love walking the link both down towards St. Mullins and up towards Clashganny and you have the option of completing the Clashganny Loop walk, returning to the Barrow line after a trek through the woods of the area. A perfect spot for quiet tranquil reflection.

10. The thing I’m most looking forward to, post-pandemic …

A lovely big dinner party. I’m really looking forward to cooking up a delicious dinner for some of my friends and be able to give them a hug on arrival.

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