Steven McDonnell in action for Armagh against Down in Croke Park, 2010. Picture by Colm O'Reilly
Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
I go for a 10-15 minute stroll with the dog into the fields beside where I live first thing. It clears the head for the day ahead.
What might you eat in a typical day for...Breakfast?
Tea and a bowl of Weetabix.
Lunch?
Lunch varies a lot but I'll mainly have a sandwich and, if it's a cold day, I'll go for soup with it.
Evening meal?
Whatever my wife makes will be the evening meal, but I love lasagne and meatballs. Being honest, my diet has never been the best, but I train often, so it allows me to burn plenty off calories.
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
I find it difficult to work from home; I need more structure. I own a professional recruitment company – Site Crew – specialising in recruiting to the construction and engineering sectors. Thankfully, my office is close to home; I always get more done when working out of it. Even during lockdown, I felt the need to go to the office for at least an hour each day even though construction was shut down. I focused more on promoting the business on social media during that time.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
If I'm making it myself, the easiest is certainly poached or scrambled eggs with sourdough toast. It's easy to make and fast for a nice, tasty meal.
Weekend treat?
I do like a Chinese takeaway and while I don't go for this every weekend, I would say it's something I look forward to each fortnight. I love to try out different foods.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
Lots of walks with the dog and walks with my wife and kids. We have found that the area we live in is full of natural beauty and some of the most scenic views you will see in Ireland. Slieve Gullion, Camlough Mountain, Ravensdale and Flagstaff are all areas that should be visited. Getting out in the fresh air is always good for the mindset.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
My training regime includes 1,000 reps in total, made up of multiple exercises – this varies from squats, kettlebell swings to curls. I try to concentrate more on a cardio workout and fit this into as many days as possible.
How do you relax?
Relaxing for me is listening to some music or enjoying a round of golf with my mates up in Cloverhill Golf Course. It's a brilliant game to play but also frustrates the life out of you when things go wrong. It brings out the competitive edge in me, I think.
Teetotal or tipple?
During my playing days, limiting myself to drinking on very few occasions was just a way of life for me. Since then, I have certainly made up for it. Nowadays, I enjoy a few pints or a glass or two of white wine at home.
What book are you currently reading?
I dip in and out of reading a lot, but currently I am reading Reporting the Troubles by Deric Henderson and Ivan Little and also Legacy by James Kerr. Two excellent books with intriguing stories.
Best Netflix?
I love Netflix. Lockdown in the evening time was certainly made a lot easier because of Netflix. My favourites shows so far are without doubt Narcos and Power. I was also gripped by the Michael Jordan documentary – The Last Dance.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
That I enjoy hill and mountain walking as much as I have done. It's tough on the body, but the rewards of getting there, to the top, outweigh everything else.
On a scale of one to 10, where have your been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
Thankfully, I live in the countryside. I like to get out and about and keep myself active, so I'd say I would be quite low on this. Possibly a two or three.
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Going to watch football matches or watching sport on TV, going to the pub for a few pints with mates and calling in and having the craic with my parents.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
A family holiday to a sunny destination will be top of the agenda, quite possibly to the Canary Islands because the weather is nearly always fantastic down there.
Biggest gripe?
Constant rule changes to Gaelic football and moving further away from it being a physical contest. I love the game when it is played at pace and all these rule changes are slowing it down.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
Not really changed as such, but the importance of quality time with family and friends has been even more highlighted for me. This is what is really important in life and every moment spent with close friends and relatives should be appreciated.
Any new skills or hobbies?
I took some time away from golf but after lockdown and when the courses opened up, I now have the bug for it once again. I've also taken up a bit of abstract painting on canvas recently, but this doesn't take much of my time.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
That everyone is less inclined to have their heads in their phones and more inclined to have quality conversations with one another.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Not really; it hasn't really changed my own attitude, but my mother suffers from dementia and it has made me very concerned for her, as we have to provide round-the-clock care for her at the moment.
