1 What is your new morning routine and how has it changed?
I was previously a ‘What's the latest time I can get up at’ type of person and now I'm up at 7am every morning to train and do cold water immersion. I am absolutely loving the change.
2 What might you eat in a typical working day for...
Breakfast? Omelette with mushroom, onion, smoked salmon, avocado and green beans, followed by two tablespoons of organic virgin olive oil and a coffee.
Lunch? Generally, it will be lamb chops, steak or chicken, served with veg and salad.
Evening meal? Repeat of lunch with some porridge oats and berries – I eat a lot.
3 Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
I have been able to get work done, but I’m not officially working from home, as I had just turned self-employed with my recent start-up, Natur & Co, which is going to be a social wellness club based in Omagh, Co Tyrone. That has had to halt until the restrictions lift, but it's been great to use this time to build a vision and put a plan in action to make it a success.
4 Best/easiest lockdown meal?
Omelette seems to be my go-to meal at the moment.
5 Weekend treat?
Organic whole yoghurt mixed with a scoop of Optimum Nutrition protein with berries, nuts and seeds – delicious!
6 How do you keep physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
I am fortunate to have built a gym facility in the garage space as a result of the Covid-19 scenario, with sufficient equipment to keep my training schedule up, which is great. It means I am able to train as and when I want. I'm also availing of all of the online classes from local PTs and trainers which have been a great outlet for people to use at home, with minimum equipment.
7 What is your daily outdoor exercise?
Bike or run mixed with a bit of fence painting under the instructions of my lovely mother.
8 How do you relax?
Deep breathing meditation which I find to be a game changer – it's laughed at by most, but soon it will be in the daily routine of all successful people. I also love to use some down time watching Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance on Netflix – it’s a great watch. Another way I relax is by reading a book; I used to be terrible for taking time to read, but now I have got into the routine of it.
9 Teetotal or tipple?
Tipple the odd time, whenever it doesn't conflict with my GAA commitments or preparation. I prefer the teetotal life, however... that’s showing my age, I think.
10 What book are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading, The Lean Start Up by Eric Ries and I’m ready to start, The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma.
11 Best Netflix?
Shooter slightly edges out Power – I took three days’ annual leave to watch Shooter because I became so hooked.
12 Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
I can be innovative and creative.
13 On a scale of one to 10, where are you currently in relation to cabin fever and where do you think you will be in June?
Probably sitting at 6/10 – I'm really enjoying the simple life, slowed way down at home with my family.
14 What are the three things you miss most during lockdown?
Training and craic with the lads, a sociable lunch and coffee and, finally, trips to Malahide to visit the niece and nephew.
15 Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are lifted?
Infrared sauna and recovery session in Natur & Co, followed by lunch in The Kitchen in Omagh.
16 Biggest gripe?
Seeing the young and old of today suffering with obesity, mental health problems and staring illness in the face because of number of factors, including poor food and lifestyle choices. I get annoyed with the lack of education on true nutrition, coping and resilience in the school curriculum at present, but some schools, teachers and sporting clubs are doing unbelievable work of their own accord to educate and help their pupils, teams and athletes. Nutrition should be a non-negotiable subject until at least GCSE level, as should basic psychology and financial education.
17 Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
My priorities and perspectives haven’t necessarily changed overnight or as a result of Covid-19, but have developed over time. They’ve certainly become stronger as a result of this virus, particularly in terms of the importance of family. My commitment to achieve highly with my club, Trillick, St Macartan's and Tyrone GAA, and my mission to create a social space where people leave feeling happier, stronger, fitter and more fulfilled as a result of coming to Natur & Co Social Wellness Club, have also been given a boost.
18 Any new skills or hobbies?
No new skills, as such – I’m focusing on improving my skills for Gaelic football and the physical demands of the sport. My new hobbies of cold water immersion and Wim Hoff methods have been great. The science doesn’t lie.
19 What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
The crazy pace of working life that is damaging everyone’s physical and mental health and allowing people to work from home more often so they can lead a more flexible lifestyle that prioritises health and relationships with loved ones.
20 Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Yes, it has slightly changed it, to be honest. I was only recently living the fast-paced life and not getting home until all hours, between training and work. Current times have made me realise there is not much else needed in life other than health, family and community. Everything else is secondary, really.
