1. When did you think about a career in broadcasting and what were your first steps into it?
I guess my first taste of broadcasting was when I was 16 and I completed my work experience at UTV. I loved the storytelling element to journalism and the connection with people and real life events. I then completed Theatre Studies for A-level and loved the buzz of being in front of an audience.
However my career took me in a different direction. I trained and qualified as an Occupational Therapist and then opened my own retail store, but I soon found myself 'broadcasting' in a different way, on social media.
I used all the different platforms to tell the story of my business and brand and that has grown now to me speaking to over 200k followers every day. And now I'm truly fulfilling a dream by becoming a guest presenter on Q Radio.
2. Best gigs you've been to?
Boyzone, Dungannon Leisure Centre, 1993. I went with my cousins and I thought I was the bees knees – like a proper 'big girl'. I was only 10, but I fell madly in love with Ronan Keating that day.
Garth Brooks, King's Hall, 1998. My Mum and Dad allowed me to go and stay in Belfast with my friends' older sisters who were at uni in Belfast and we all got dressed to the nines and sang our hearts out to Garth and Trisha Yearwood. My first taste of country music.
I've been to about five Westlife concerts and loved every single one of them. Q Radio listeners will be in for a real treat next week.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
Olly Murs. I think he would be the best craic. He's got the voice, the moves and the banter.
4. The record you'd take to a desert island and why?
I love Meghan Trainor. She makes me want to get up and dance the minute I hear any of her songs so she would keep me entertained on that desert island for sure.
5. The book you'd take to a desert island and why?
I would take my diary and try to document as much as I can of what has already happened in my life. It scares me how time passes and memories fade. I don't want to forget a thing, so I need to write it all down. A desert island would be the perfect place to do this. No distractions: just me, my diary and my memories.
6. Top three films and why?
A Star is Born. This film affected me greatly. The storyline has affected so many families and is told in the most powerful way. Plus Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper are amazing to watch.
Bridget Jones' Diary. Every single time I watch it I laugh my head off. I find myself repeating bits from the film in real life situations. There's a bit of Bridget in all of us, I think.
Home Alone. A favourite when we were growing up. I have five brothers so they were always trying to set up pranks after watching Kevin in action. Now I watch it with my kids and I still laugh and repeat the phrases. Like, who doesn't love to say "keep the change, you filthy animal".
7. Worst film you've seen and why?
We recently watched that series You on Netflix. We didn't like it.
8. Favourite authors?
I don't really read books.
9. Sport(s) you most enjoy and top team(s)?
I'm not sporty but I do enjoy watching football with my husband and boys. We love to watch the GAA matches and get the occasional trip to Croke Park. And now, my boys have been obsessed with soccer since the World Cup. We have football cards all over our house – you could find them anywhere.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
We absolutely love Donegal, all parts of it. The Wild Atlantic Way makes me feel so relaxed, it's my dream to someday have a holiday home there. If I were to choose somewhere further it would be Italy. I love the people, the food, the wine and the culture. It's a very special place.
11. Pet hates?
People judging others. No-one knows what is going on in anyone's life or why people make the decisions they do. It upsets me to hear people pass judgement. We are all just doing our best.
12. What's your favourite:
Dinner? Anything with pasta
Dessert? Apple crumble and custard (with a wee bit of ice cream on the side too)
Drink? Espresso Martini
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
My best friend is Bronagh Durkan. We met when we were 11 and have been best friends ever since. Even if I haven't seen her in a while, every single time we meet up it never changes. We still stay up to 5 in the morning talking like we did when we were teenagers. I love her, she's the best.
14. Is there a God?
Yes, I believe there is. I believe he's looking after everyone who has already left this world. I believe he's guiding us every day to try and make the right decisions and be better people. Every night I thank him for keeping us all safe for another day.
15. Finally, have you anything you want to plug?
I have my debut on Monday morning with Q Radio and I am a mixture of excitement and nerves. Honestly, I just can't wait to talk to all the listeners. If anyone wants to follow my journey of family, food, fun and embracing my 40s, then follow me on @diggmama on Facebook and Instagram.
:: Caroline O'Neill will take over the Q Radio mid-morning show as a guest presenter from 10am to 1pm for a week starting on Monday February 20. Boil the kettle and tune in to hear Caroline's unique perspective on business culture and lifestyle, and her take on family life.
