Could you assess your agreeability?
Generally, I’d say I’m quite affable. I have a calm nature and I tend to avoid conflicts. I usually have discussions to resolve issues.
Can you tell me about your middle name and your opinion on it?
Honestly, I loathe it. Ita is my middle name. It used to provoke a host of nicknames like Chiquita banana and Jacqui the biscuit during my younger years. It seemed to shadow me persistently. I wouldn’t exactly consider my middle name a blessing.
It’s a name attributed to my aunt, one I wouldn’t have picked for myself if given a choice.
Could you tell me about your favourite location in Ireland?
Ballybunion in Kerry holds a dear place in my heart. It’s a place that brings happiness to our family. We’ve been holidaying there for several years now. We take out around a month in the summer to unwind there. A laid-back atmosphere engulfs the place. Our days are spent in idle leisure, renting a house and mingling with cousins. A daily stroll on the beach, surfing, engaging in fun activities are part of our routine there. This place is synonymous with cherished memories.
Could you describe yourself in a trio of words?
Vivacious. Athletic. Ambitious.
When was the last time you were irate?
The frequency of my anger depends on the situation. Daily I find myself miffed at my children for not paying heed to me. But I rarely lose my cool. I maintain a composed demeanour, so it takes a great deal to provoke me. You’ll be sure to notice when I do get irate.
Occasionally, I get incensed watching the news. Like the recent incident with the politicians and the bike shed, that had me frustrated like many others, questioning the absurdity of spending huge amounts during a crisis.
Is there something you have misplaced that you wish to retrieve?
Seán, my brother, succumbed to a tragic road accident in 2011 at the age of 25—a loss that reverberates in our hearts till now. The passage of each day underscores the gaping void left by him, and I would not hesitate to pay any price to bring him back into our shared existence.
When asked about the happiest memory of my youth, my mind invariably revisits an image painted with laughter. While there is no specific object or location connected with it, it has always resonated with an aura of familial bonding. My childhood home in Australia was perpetually infused with joy. The outdoors were our playground and we had an influx of visitors who continually nurtured this warm and happy space.
Considering my place in the order of birth in our family, I would say it significantly influenced who I am today. As the middle child, I found myself transitioning between the sensibleness of Tríona, my elder sister, who is 15 months older than me, and the wild nature of Seán, two years my junior. By standing at this juncture, I had the leeway to explore both spectrums. While Seán often found himself in the line of fire for being reckless, Tríona was the embodiment of responsibility, rarely stepping out of line. Consequently, as the one in between, I could further push my boundaries, which shaped my personality profoundly.
The topic of death and what happens after remains a mystery to me. Despite not being overly religious, I cling to the hope of a surpassing reality where Seán now exists, presumably in a state of tranquility. This comforting thought leads me on, helping me imagine that we, too, will ultimately locate our place in this realm of eternal joy; although, I do not have a clear concept of what it encompasses or appears like.
There is a particular image that invariably lingers in my mind—a perfect utopia that awaits to bestow eternal happiness to us all.
So, when was my happiest moment? Possibly yet to come.
At present, we are in a really gratifying stage of life where we have a secured lifestyle. Thank the Good Lord, our children are full of life and are in a good health state. Professionally, we’re both thriving and have reached a level of comfort and satisfaction. Our parents too are in good spirits and healthy which makes a notable difference. The overall well-being of everyone profoundly enhances the quality of life.
As the years roll on, so does change. We comprehend our fortunate state and to me, 2024 is a year of significant personal and professional accomplishments.
Given a chance to pick an actor to impersonate me in a life story film, I would pick Cameron Diaz. Not because she bears a resemblance to me, to be clear, but because of her active, relaxed Californian persona. Her enthusiasm towards sports, fitness and exercise is something I appreciate.
Throughout my career, I have let go of the concept of regret. There might have been moments of disappointment where I failed to secure a deal, but the positive outcome from these experiences have taught me otherwise. Now I’m at peace with my career path.
On the personal aspect, it’s the unexplored world that I regret missing out on. There’s an insatiable desire to quench my wanderlust and discover more parts of the world, particularly South America and Asia. But it’s a hard task to strike a balance with our hectic work schedules. This remains an unsettled matter that causes some discomfort.
Possessing an unusual trait is not foreign to me. I tend to be anxious in parking lots for reasons unbeknownst to me. The task of finding a parking spot and then manoeuvring my vehicle into it, whilst ensuring the safety of my children and other parked cars, is stressful. A seemingly minor, avoidable issue, it nonetheless triggers my anxiety more than anything else.