What do you like most about living in the west of Ireland?
Good craic everywhere you go, and I’m never far from the sea.
If you could change one thing about Galway, what would it be?
The traffic.
What is your favourite place for a night out?
In Galway city it has to be Taaffes with the crew of the Saoirse, but if I was working on the Aran Islands and Inis Mór and based on the boat, there’s always craic to be had in Tigh Joe Macs in Kilronan, Inis Mór.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Any musical instrument, I can’t play any music.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Talk less and listen more.
Which person do you most admire and why?
It would have to be my mother, Jackie. She was incredibly strong through any hard times and my siblings and I were always the priority.
Sum yourself up in four words.
Inquisitive, calm, active and organised.
What was the best day of your life?
I had some friends out of my timber currach. We caught plenty of fish for dinner, visited an abandoned island and anchored off a picturesque beach to swim ashore for a few beers, happy out.
Where was your most enjoyable holiday?
I would actually say the time I spent in Japan with work was better than any holiday I had; great country and lovely people.
What is your favourite film?
Inglorious Bastards, but anything Tarantino.
What was the last book you read?
Currently reading Northabout by Jarlath Cunnane.
What are your three favourite songs?
It varies, but currently, Where Rainbows Never Die by the Steeldrivers, Years by Sierra Ferrell and Just So Far Away by Slide.
What makes you laugh?
Quick dry humour, the likes you get from seafarers.
What annoys you most?
Missing a deadline.
What is your worst habit?
Picking up the phone to check something and ending up aimlessly scrolling for an hour.
How do you relax outside work?
I fish out of my currach in the summers.
Who would be your three ideal dinner party guests?
Three of the crew on the Saoirse. They like simple food.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Keep your head up and your eyes open. Take in everything and don’t just follow the route set out in front of you because it’s easy.
Name one thing people do not know about you which would surprise them?
I’m fairly handy with a needle and thread.
What is your favourite saying or motto?
“Where would ya get it” Aodan MacDonnacha, Skipper, Aran Island Ferries.
