WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE WEST OF IRELAND?
Nothing beats living on the Atlantic as a windsurfer! Near constant wind or waves most days of the year. The only problem is the cold but for the quality of the waves we get, it’s worth it.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT GALWAY, WHAT IS IT?
Invest more into Galway’s outdoor activities and sports. We need more incentives to get young people out of the bars and into sports on the weekends.
WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
“Control of your own mind has to be the best skill.”
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Pain is weakness leaving the body. My karate coach, Dave King always used to tell us that.
SUM YOURSELF UP IN FOUR WORDS.
Adventurous, disciplined, waterman, easy-going.
WHERE WAS YOUR MOST ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY?
It has to be a month spent in South Africa windsurfing. It was amazing being so close to wildlife at all times. From baboons and ostriches just wandering around parking lots, to seeing a great white shark while we were windsurfing!
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
WHAT GOT YOU INTO WINDSURFING?
I always did the summer camps in Rusheen Bay but it was never a main hobby of mine until I met a young French kid who was flying around the bay. He told me to stop being scared and just take a bigger sail to go faster. We’ve been windsurfing and working every summer together since.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I enjoy the silly things in life and the art of confusion. I love saying the unexpected just to see the confused faces on people before the realisation and the laughter.
WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
People who don’t think about their actions and how they affect other people.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT?
Procrastination. I always end up doing the unimportant tasks first. Whether it’s a tactic or not I’m still not sure because I end up leaving the important task to last minute and then I have to get it done as well.
HOW DO YOU RELAX OUTSIDE WORK?
I always end up back in Rusheen Bay on my days off to go windsurfing. My workplace is my happy place.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SAYING OR MOTTO?
‘Risk it for a biscuit’. There’s no fun in life without a bit of risk!
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE IN IRELAND FOR WATERSPORTS?
Rusheen Bay is definitely one of the best places for learning watersports because it’s enclosed and shallow at low tides but it also has access to Galway Bay for people who get more adventurous. It is perfect for people getting started in windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST WATERSPORTS MEMORY?
Jumping off the top of Blackrock at the age of six without warning my dad. This started off a love of diving and the ocean.
