1. When did you think about a career in writing and what were your first steps into it?
I never thought I could be a writer because it never felt like something someone like me could actually do. I wrote my first play after I was living in a hostel as a young mum, because I felt it was an interesting story to tell. What was one of the most difficult times in my life became an experience that changed my life, so I’m so grateful for it. The hardest part of writing is starting, and getting past the voice in your head that says you shouldn’t be doing it.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
Oasis at the Odyssey in 2002. I was 17 and obsessed with them. Noel Gallagher looked at me and I thought I was going to die.
Christy Moore at the Waterfront in 2022, because I got to spend time with my friend Elaine who’s a healthcare worker and she had a very rare night off. And Christy was great.
Coldplay, Glasgow, in 2022. I’m not a massive fan of Coldplay but I went with my old school friends Joanne and Wanda from St Louise’s and we relived our youth.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
An Elvis impersonator. He could marry you and do the music.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Across the Universe by The Beatles.
5. And the book you’d take to a desert island?
Tender is the Night by F Scott Fitzgerald.
6. Top three films?
I, Daniel Blake - I love Ken Loach but this film was made when I was working with a group called the Right to Work/Right to Welfare who were campaigning against benefits being stopped without due process. It was so accurate to what was happening (and is still happening)!
Anything with Bill Murray – I think Lost in Translation is a beautiful film because I watched it at a time in my life when I felt disconnected from myself, and it resonated.
And a film I loved recently was An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) which is Oscar nominated for Best International Feature Film. My friend Ellen worked on it so I’ve all my fingers crossed that it wins.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
IRA: King of Nothing. Written, directed and starring a guy from America who probably came to Ireland once in his life. It’s so bad, it’s good.
8. Favourite authors?
Brian Friel, because his work ignited my love for theatre and playwright Jo Egan, who recently passed away. Her work was bold, ambitious and full of integrity. I learned so much from her.
9. Sport(s) you most enjoy and top team(s)?
I hate most sports, but I would watch snooker from time to time.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
Donegal – best place in the world, even when it rains.
11. Pet hates?
Men who spit.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Anything with pasta.
Dessert? I’d go for cheese before something sweet.
Drink? Dark N Stormy.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
I’ve a handful of incredible friends so I’m going to take the easy way out and say my amazing daughter Joanne.
14. Is there a God?
I believe in a higher power. I’d like to think there’s something bigger than us. I sometimes envy people who have a strong faith. It’s great to have something that helps you get through life, I just don’t like it when it’s used to take away the rights of others.
:: Fionnuala Kennedy, together with composer Neil Martin have written Nobody/Somebody, a teen/youth adult opera for NI Opera, which focuses on the pertinent and pressing issues of housing stress and homelessness some young people are facing every day. The opera will premiere at The Belfast Children’s Festival from March 3 – 5 at Elmwood Hall, performed by the Ulster Youth Orchestra. For tickets and full festival brochure visit Youngatart.co.uk
