How would you rate your temperament?
My temperament tends to shift based on the day. There are days when I’m cheerful and full of light, while on others I might be quite grumpy. I’d say I lean towards being slightly more difficult than amiable.
What is your middle name and how do you feel about it?
Elaine is my middle name, so I’m known as Rose Elaine. From my perspective, the name Elaine is rather unexciting. It doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest and I’d much rather be referred to as Rose. Interestingly, after my birth, my elder sister Veronica objected vehemently to the idea of her sister being named after a plant, to the extent that she barricaded herself in a hospital lavatory until my parents agreed they would use my middle name to address me.
Where in Ireland do you love the most?
Cork, my home, is the place that holds my heart.
Could you summarise yourself in three adjectives?
I would describe myself as generous, benign and somewhat obstinate.
When was the last time you were irate?
I was last angered when someone behaved badly towards one of my nephews. They should have been more considerate. I am seldom enraged on my own behalf, however, if someone inflicts harm on a loved one, it causes me to go into full protective mode.
What do you wish you could regain that you’ve lost?
I would do whatever it took to get my cherished nephew, Ultan, back. He died tragically from cancer last year, aged only 11. My utmost desire would be to have this precious boy back in my life.
What stands out the most from your early years?
A standout memory for me is of times when I would seclude myself in our hot press while my mum was taking a bath. Since our family was large, I rarely got alone time with her. I would huddle in the press, doodling on the inner walls with my crayons, and wait for her to secure the door and step into her bath. Once she was settled, I’d emerge and surprise her with a cheerful “hello Mammy”.
What is your position in the sequence of births in your family, and to what extent has this influenced your identity?
As the eighth born child, only seven of us survived. Tragically, my mother gave birth to twin girls two years prior to my birth and one did not survive. I occupy the seventh position in our present family configuration. Our family now consists of 10 members in total. Candidly speaking, I, along with seven others, suffered from middle-child syndrome.
What is your belief about what occurs post-death?
My inclination is to believe that upon death, I’ll be reincorporated into the Earth, in one form or another. As for the soul, I’m uncertain of its fate, but my belief in conventional notions of heaven and hell has dwindled. I perceive us all to be individual components of an enchanting paradise that spins within the cosmos. Our current existence is destined to morph into a molecule, possibly becoming part of various life forms for countless years. Hence, we may return in a different form. Essentially, I believe we’re all integral components of an unending cycle of life, death, and energy.
Can you recall a period when you experienced utmost happiness?
Despite possessing a generally somber disposition for a large part of my life, I’ve experienced sparks of joy. Typically, I feel the most content when with my family. Some of my most cherished memories include celebrating Christmas Day in my younger days. Despite the presence of disputes, those moments were free of pain or loss and felt like the world was an open book.
Who do you think could aptly portray you in a film about your life?
The choice would ideally be an actor capable of adopting an Irish accent. Alison Oliver and Kate Winslet are two of my favored choices. I’d be delighted with either of them playing my role.
Do you harbour any career or personal regrets?
A significant regret that overshadows my career is a missed opportunity. In my mid-30s, I had the chance to relocate to London for career advancement, which I failed to seize. This decision has been a constant source of regret, as I believe I acted out of fear unnecessarily.
Do you possess any distinctive psychological characteristics?
Certainly, numerous. A peculiar habit I’ve adhered to is specific seat preference in cars, restaurants, or around a table. I invariably sit at the back left, which often unsettles others, even if I’m on a set. This peculiarity extends to wherever I am, and if not seated in my preferred spot, I experience intense discomfort.