Are you usually affable?
I am indeed a rather agreeable chap. It may sound bold from my end to claim this, but my spouse and offspring would certainly vouch for my amiability. In fact, they often suggest I’m quite unflappable. To paraphrase my wife, Caroline, I am not fussy in the slightest, especially when it comes to food.
Could you share your middle name and your thoughts about it?
It’s Anthony, and I rather fancy it. I have a deep reverence for St Anthony and often visit the Novenas at St Anthony’s on Merchant’s Quay. St Anthony holds great significance for me as a constant source of support. Particularly given the propensity my household has for misplacing our belongings.
What is the location in Ireland that you favour most?
Undoubtedly, it’s Achill Island. There exists a charming abode in Dugort on the island which I am particularly fond of. Without a doubt, it is my most favoured spot globally.
Can you describe yourself succinctly in three terms?
Rather unique.
When was the last instance you experienced anger?
To be honest, I cannot recall the last moment I was vexed. What would upset me? Certainly not sport. Angst over athletics simply isn’t in my nature. Although I might experience frustration, full-blown anger seems an excessively strong emotional reaction to me.
What have you lost that you wish to retrieve?
My father. It has been 42 years, nearing three weeks, since his untimely demise. Yet to me, it feels as though only 42 minutes have passed. He was truly the epitome of perfection. He unexpectedly passed away while running, despite being a remarkably healthy man of forty-nine. Given a chance, I deeply yearn to meet him once more, even if for a mere hour. The one thing I regret more than anything is having embraced him only once in my lifetime.
Can you recount your most vivid memory from your childhood?
One of my fondest memories growing up was my dad bringing us to Donabate beach. He worked shifts that allowed him to be home early. He would instruct my mum to arrange everything we needed, then he would pack the car and we would head off. We spent our day sprinting around sand dunes until we were drained. My mum made sure to have plenty of sandwiches ready for us, and we’d also have a large flask with us. Those beach visits were some of the happiest moments of my life.
In our family, I’m the eldest right after my brother Mick. He’s the one in the family with all the talent – a dynamic storyteller, a wonderful poet, a talented singer, and has a very appealing physical appearance. We were a family of six until we lost one of our brothers when I was still a young child. Growing up, Mick was the one everyone adored and I wanted to be just like him. However, he wouldn’t let me tag along with him!
When it comes to the topic of death, I fully believe in life after death. I’m confident I’ll end up in heaven although it seems I may be in unfamiliar company since all of my friends will be, jokingly, in the fiery depths of hell. I have a strong belief that there is something lying beyond this life and that one day, I’ll reconnect with my father and my uncles.
Come to think of my happiest moments, it’s always been with my family, particularly when I’m sharing a meal with Caroline and the kids. Whether it’s enjoying a recent Sunday dinner surrounded by 10 family members or our much loved Christmas dinner tradition that hosts around 18 people, the joy I derive from these moments is unquantifiable.
If someone were to create a film about my life, I would want my dear friend Vinny Jones to play my character. But despite the joyous moments, I do have some regrets in my personal and professional life.
At the age of 18, I rashly informed Johnny Giles that I was done with the international squad. Although I had been active on the youth team representing Ireland, on the day of a critical match, I found out I wasn’t selected for the game. Believing I was playing, the revelation left me disgruntled and hence, I stormed out. This decision had high stakes back then – earning international caps would aid in landing a position in a club in England.
In a heated moment, I disrespected the team and abruptly left. In retrospect, it’s a decision I wish I hadn’t made. Johnny and I discussed the incident years later and he expressed his view on me being arrogant back then. Looking back, I must say, he was indeed right in his judgement.
People often ask me about any personal peculiarities I might have. Well, I suffer from claustrophobia and, consequently, avoid lifts entirely. I’d rather choose to climb up a 20-storey building by foot than daring to step inside an elevator.
Be sure to look out for a public conversation featuring me, Roddy Collins and Paul Howard. This will transpire on the 30th of November at the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin.