How do you unwind at the weekend?
I always have radio on my mind, even at weekends. I'll go for a walk with my fiancée Kelly Moore on the north coast, which I love, or in the Mourne mountains and think about the show. The ideas come randomly. I'll work out how to present what's going on in the world so it is relatable and with some humour where possible – although maybe not with Covid-19. I aim to talk to the listeners like a friend down the pub.
What do you recall most about weekends growing up?
I'm from Finaghy and lived there with my mum Maura. We have a very close relationship. As a kid, I loved playing outside and wasn't in the house playing video games. I am also a traditional Irish musician, playing seven-plus instruments including the piano, guitar, bass, tin whistle and accordion. I started at the age of eight, providing music for the Irish dancing championships. I didn't dance myself as I have two left feet but doing the backing took me all over Ireland, also to Australia and New Zealand. I used to sing in a wedding band, Hair of the Dog, but left at 17 to focus on radio.
Friday night or Saturday night?
Saturday night because I have a show on Saturday morning. At two o'clock, I do the last-minute prep for Monday, a brief voice-over, and my weekend begins!
Do you have a must-listen weekend radio show?
As I'm in the business, I like listening to different stations. But as a big Chris Moyles fan – he's the influence. Also Greg James.
Must-watch weekend TV show / box set?
I don't really watch much TV but am hooked on Gray's Anatomy which Kelly introduced me to. I've been watching it since the start of lockdown. As for Netflix, at the minute it would be Friends, for the 450th time. It's just an easy watch, you can pick it up on season 10. American humour is good yet I love the Northern Irish version too, our unique sense of humour.
Favourite eaterie – or is it a takeaway?
Takeaway. We love pizza – I am a big pizza eater. Nothing too fancy, I just like a Domino’s pepperoni.
Is Sunday still special?
It has always been a rest day for me. I was reared Catholic and we would have gone to church. My thinking now is, I want to relax. We quite often have friends or family round. I’ve got an older sister, Keeva, and she has a two-year-old daughter Lara, so they might join us. Quite often I cook a Sunday roast-type meal as I love cooking. I either do a roast or chicken and broccoli bake or lasagne. I never follow a recipe but wing it and my other half laughs at me, saying I have put too much of this or that in. She says I’m heavy-handed but I love garlic.
How do you feel on Sunday night about Monday morning?
Monday is a re-set day, you forget last week. Sunday is our night for fresh bedlinen for a fresh week. Everything has to be fresh for Monday.
