‘I had an imaginary horse named Miltan until I was five’
1. Pre-match meal?
I try to get most of my eating done the night before the game but generally go for chicken and pesto pasta in the pre-match meal. At that stage it’s just about topping up the energy you have stored, so I like to keep it light.
2. Favourite player growing up?
I was always split between Stephen Ferris and Paul O’Connell. O’Connell was a legend for so long and played consistently well for Munster and Ireland. Unfortunately for Ferris his career was cut short by injury. I always admired his style though.
3. Best away day room-mate and why?
Andrew Browne, he is a life coach and a great fella.
4. Who would headline your houseparty?
I think I’d go with Daft Punk and I’d bring Luke Kelly for the afters. A bit of an eclectic mix there but I think it mirrors my playlists.
5. First song they would play?
‘One More Time’ from Daft Punk to launch the night, and then when Luke Kelly comes on it would have to be, ‘The Town I Loved So Well’.
6. You win the Lotto, first thing you would buy?
I’d be bringing all the lads on a holiday I’d say, I’ve never been to Vegas so I’d probably start there. With all of the boys along for the spin I think we’d put a good hole in the winnings before too long!
7. Favourite movie?
It’s hard to pick a favourite, I think I’d go with ‘Fury’ starring Brad Pitt. It’s a great movie. I always enjoyed war movies and I think this is one of the better ones recently.
8. Favourite TV show and why?
‘Game of Thrones’, completely obsessed with it
as are most of the lads. You have to keep up to date because there are always spoiler alerts floating around. As a rugby player you have a good bit of time between sessions and travelling to put in a few hours so it’s easy to keep up.
9. Earliest rugby memory
growing up?
I remember my Dad bringing me to my first training in Galwegians.
10. Who is the joker in the dressing-room?
James Mitchell, we are slowly warming to his unusual sense of humour. There are quite a few
comedians around the place though.
11. Favourite holiday destination and why?
I went to Cape Town with my family two years ago. By far my favourite holiday so far! The food is unbelievable and the scenery was incredible. I would love to go
back some time.
12. Favourite away ground to play at?
I love playing in the RDS. It hasn’t been the happiest hunting ground for me in a Connacht jersey. The lads came really close on New Year’s Day but Leinster managed to hold us out. But there is always a great atmosphere there.
13. Three people (dead or alive) who you would invite to your dinner party?
Muhammad Ali, Dad, Jordan Peterson.
14. Most memorable moment in rugby?
Well winning the PRO12 is the obvious one. Outside of that beating Terenure when I was in school in Roscrea and winning the U-17 All Ireland with Galwegians.
15. Do you have any prematch superstitions/rituals?
I write the same stuff on my wrist for each game, nothing outside of that.
16. Who is the best player you have played alongside and why?
Paul Hackett who played for Galwegians and underage with Connacht. A great man to carry the ball. If he could tackle he would have gone all the way.
17. Who is the best player you have played against and why?
I’ve always been impressed with Nick Williams. He is a big ball carrier and being a back-rower I have always admired what he can do.
18. Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I had an imaginary horse named Miltan until I was five.
19. Name three things that are always in your fridge?
Chorizo, steak, Ballymaloe relish.
20. Best advice you ever got?
You can always take back what you don’t say – Frank O’Brien.