How agreeable are you?
Fairly. If you can do something for someone, without putting yourself out, why wouldn’t you?
What’s your middle name and what do you think of it?
Joseph. It’s grand – neither too distinctive nor bland, perfect middle name fodder.
Where is your favourite place in Ireland?
Underneath a sleeping daughter when they nod off mid-cuddle. They’re busy and adorable when awake, and quiet and adorable when not.
Describe yourself in three words
Curious, numerate, caffeinated.
When did you last get angry?
I try not to stew on angry moments but the state of disability services, especially for children, is easy to get pissed off about. So many failings on so many fronts.
What have you lost that you would like to have back?
My hairline.
What’s your strongest childhood memory?
Mostly sporting memories: cheering at USA 94; Meath winning All-Irelands in 1996 and 99; cheering in my bedroom watching Man United complete the Treble in 1999 (25 years ago on May 27th!). The squawk-whistle-buzz of a dial-up modem that opened a lot of intellectual doors.
Where do you come in your family’s birth order, and has this defined you?
I’m the eldest of two, five-and-a-bit years ahead of my brother. It was a learning experience when he pointed out that, between boarding school and college, we haven’t lived together full-time since he was six. The reminder that two experiences of the same thing don’t always match has stood me well in work.
What do you expect to happen when you die?
For people to go, “oh yeah, that guy”, and the world to keep turning.
When were you happiest?
Riding a VW camper van into Kilkenny with Ciara after our wedding, hearts full of joy and optimism about what the future might bring – and then our two girls being born and discovering entire new dimensions of joy.
Which actor would play you in a biopic about your life?
My fellow Meathman, Pierce Brosnan. I mean, the resemblance is uncanny, so it is.
What’s your biggest career/personal regret?
I was on the Irish team at a maths competition – stop laughing – in Tokyo when I was 16, and adored the experience, but didn’t take the competition as seriously as I could have. I wrongly assumed I’d make the team again the next year, and regret not cherishing representing my country and applying myself a bit more at the time.
Have you any psychological quirks?
You know the red badges that pop up on your iPhone icons when there’s an unread notification? I can’t abide leaving them unread. Read or delete the emails, read the texts and WhatsApps. Better read than red.
