Q: Greatest moment - for Ireland ? A: Simply the first cap v Scotland. Representing your country at the highest level in whatever discipline is the ultimate honour and for yours truly that arrived against the Scots in Dublin in January 1978.
Q: For Munster ? A: I guess this one's a bit obvious but given the context beating the All Blacks in Limerick on that never to be forgotten Tuesday in October that same year ('78) was a little bit special.
Q: For Lions ? A: On a personal level playing in the first test against the Springboks at Cape Town in 1980 was probably the highlight although making the Lions cut - the power of four - represents the ultimate achievement for any rugby player in this part of the world.
Q: Three players most admired ? A: My Schoolboy and playing time hero (we lined out together for Garryowen, St Mary's, Munster and Ireland) was the late, great Shay Deering. Current Lions Manager Gerald Davies and Irish football genius John Giles were the players I admired from afar while Brian O'Driscoll continues pound for pound the greatest all round player I have witnessed in the oval ball code.
Q: Three people most admired ? A: Without hesitation Nelson Mandella is top of the list. The most amazing human being on planet earth. Along with Dunnes Stores workers I was privileged to meet him (and Winnie) on their visit to Dublin following release from prison in the early nineties. I greatly admire Bono and his classy wife Ali Hewson for their extraordinary relationship and the deliberate and dignified manner in which they manage to stay well under the media radar. Tony O'Reilly - to reach the top in your chosen sport and in business too takes some doing. Throw in that charismatic X factor and sometimes life just isn’t fair!!!
Q: Dinner party - my guests ? A: The above plus Vincent Browne, Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow for good measure. Could make for a fascinating evening.
Q: Plus points for turning fifty ? A: Still ticking over and with mighty bucket list (Dad died two years short of that magical figure) still to be filled. Kids nearly reared helps too. Body slows, mind quickens but life ticks along just nicely.
Q: Favourite holiday destination ? A: Algarve, Australia and Thailand in that order.
Q: Hobbies outside of sport ? A: Music - Sad, mad rocker and child of the sixties! Love driving too...not speed just leisurely pace.
Q: Favourite book ? A: Because it was the first book that ever gripped me from first page to last Mario Puzo's The Godfather tops the list.
Q: Favourite restaurant ? A: Purple Ocean in Dun Laoghaire, Regazzi's in Dalkey, Baan Thai in Leopardstown and Howard's Way in Churchtown offer great variety and magical ambience.
Q: Favourite radio programme ? A: I would be an RTE Radio 1 addict from 8 till 6 with Joe Duffy's Liveline the most compulsive listening. That said when in the car I do tune into Newstalk and particularly The Right Hook with George. Jimmy Greely's easy style and soothing voice on the new 4 FM is also well worth any extra effort
Q: Guests with Ryan Tubridy ? A: Clint Eastwood, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Barry Gibb, Steve Ellis (Lead singer with Love Affair - my band of the sixties), Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Ali McGraw...take your pick.
Q: Remaining ambitions ? A: Health and happiness....period. Mind you wouldn't say no to a place on the Vico Road either.
Q: Are there things I might have changed ? A: Unlike most who say they wouldn't change a thing I confess to very many mistakes along the way...in sport, in love, in business but that said few regrets as there is nothing that can be done...Que serra serra. Without wishing to become overly philosophical or overly spiritual I have throughout life found Max Ehrmann's wonderful prose 'Desiderata' Go placidly amid the noise and haste.....the most down to earth barometer and reference... in good times and bad.
