1 )WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LOUGHREA?
I don’t get to spend enough time there anymore, but loved going for a walk by the lake when I was growing up. It didn’t matter what the weather was, it was always special.
2 )IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE TOWN, WHAT IS IT?
I know it has been discussed for a long time, but I would love to see a swimming pool in the town. Swimming is a life skill. It’s a great way to exercise and, who knows, the next Michael Phelps might be discovered.
3 )WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT IN LOUGHREA?
It’s been a while since I had a mad night out! When I was training I rarely saw midnight. I get to see it now when I’m up feeding my three week old daughter Aoileann. Most of my socialising is done by day. I love to catch up with friends in Hopes Coffee Shop.
4 )WAS THE BYPASS GOOD FOR THE TOWN?
Yes definitely. When I’m home I’m no longer afraid to go into town to shop or have a coffee on a Friday afternoon.
5 )WHAT ONE IMPROVEMENT WOULD HELP PROMOTE BUSINESS IN THE TOWN.
Free parking would be a help.
6 )HOW DID THE TOWN INSPIRE YOU TO BECOMING A WORLD CHAMPION
I joined Loughrea Athletic Club when I was 13. Without the club and the encouragement I received I probably wouldn’t have continued competing beyond my teens. Mary Barrett was my first coach. She always had faith in me. Many of my club mates travelled around the world to support me.
7 )WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
To be able to entertain: I’m tone deaf and can’t dance!
8 )WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
The six minute rule: Noel Carroll used to say, ‘if you don’t feel like exercising just go out for six minutes, you can go home then.’ The thing is you never did. The hardest bit with exercise is getting started.
9 )WHICH PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?
I admire Katie Taylor’s drive. She’s been the best in the world for so long, but every year she strives to push herself further and make herself better.
10 )SUM YOURSELF UP IN 4 WORDS?
Determined, determined, determined, and determined!
11 )WHAT WAS THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE?
I’ve had so many. Outside the birth of my children, crossing the line at the World Championship in Berlin in 2009.
12 )WHERE WAS YOUR MOST ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY?
My honeymoon trekking in Peru and Bolivia.
13 )WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM?
Argo.
14 )WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
The Club.
15 )WHAT ARE YOUR 3 FAVOURITE SONGS?
Vessel, Rule the World, and Galway Girl.
16 )WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
My children.
17 )WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
When people don’t give their best.
18 )WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT?
Can I have two? Procrastination and poor time keeping.
19 )HOW DO YOU RELAX OUTSIDE WORK?
I exercise. For so long exercise was my job. It took a while to get my head around exercise for pleasure. I go for a run and try not to be competitive with myself!
20 )WHO WOULD BE YOUR THREE IDEAL DINNER PARTY GUESTS?
Donncha O’Callaghan, Padraig Harrington, and Keith Wood.
21 )WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SAYING OR MOTTO?
Get stuck in!
