I found this pic last week. 1986. My sister Roisin on her way to the Debs. She was asked by my friend Michael Noonan. She was 16. It was my Debs but I was way too petrified to go. Mum serving Dynasty realness. It was her ninth anniversary recently. 

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Which living person do you most admire? 

The living person that I admire most is my husband Paul. For his unwavering loyalty, support, humour and even now in our 7th year of marriage he never fails to still surprise me with his wit and wisdom and his incredible depth of understanding and sanity.

What is your current state of mind?  

My mind is calm. Hindered only by the occasional growl from a dog seeking attention of some kind.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? 

The phrase that I overuse most is hmmm not sure really about this one. Couldn’t really say. 

When and where were you happiest? 

I am pretty happy right now. Traveling back in time to find other times that are more happy or contentment is a little futile as everything is subject to times  limitation and gradual fading. That said I have wonderful memories of family holidays in West Cork when I was young and a very strong connection to the land there which is living now and also in memory. 

Where would you most like to live? 

I would most like to live deep in the country somewhere. Or perhaps on the side of a mountain or hill, nestled in somewhere away from the wind and rain. 

What do you most value in your friends? 

The things I value most in friendships are loyalty, open mindedness, humour. Longevity in friendship has many factors to consider but most important is mutual respect. I have been in love with all my very dear friends for many years. But I can possibly count them on less than one hand. 

What is your most treasured possession? 

My most treasured possession. As materialistic as I can be I don’t think I can I could pick one thing and say this is it. Except maybe my mum’s cookbook. which she got as a wedding present. It’s very old now and it’s still choc-full of recipes for Christmas cakes and harvest loaves scribbled on bits of envelopes.

Who are your heroes in real life? 

My heroes include-Jane the lollipop lady at the end of our road. She has a smile and a good word for everyone. Judith Hoad pioneering herbalist.  Always Derek Jarman.  But also anyone and everyone who has ever struggled with addiction and alcoholism and managed to get sober and helped others to do so in return-real heroes. 

What is your most marked characteristic? 

Stubbornness.

What is your motto? 

Not sure if I have a motto.