MAIRE TREASA NI DHUBHGHAILL

Television presenter, TG4

I don’t drink that much. I definitely drink much less than I used! During my 20s, I drank at parties and on nights out in college and as much as any of my friends did on nights out, but when I started working on the rugby show six years ago, which involves working at matches most weekends, I got used to going out and not drinking.

I would never drink the night before going on air, so it quickly became the norm and it never bothered me. I realised I could still stay out dancing and chatting and have a laugh, without the hangover!

When I do drink, it’s on the weekend, if I’m out with my friends, or I would have a glass of wine when I go out for dinner. I wouldn’t drink at home.

I can’t remember the last time I got drunk, but it has certainly happened in the past, more than once! I would mostly feel groggy and tired. With a hangover I usually crave spending the day on the couch eating popcorn and Maltesers.

At the moment I love gin and sparkling water. I’m not too keen on the taste of tonic, but I do like trying the different combinations of gin cocktails that many pubs have on their menus. If I were to have a few casual drinks at a festival or a match, I would more than likely have beer or any pale ale and with dinner I would opt for a glass of red wine.

Drink is not a reward for me. For me a reward is chocolate. I do like going out for a few drinks with my friends and letting my hair down, but equally I have become so used to not drinking on nights out that I can honestly say I wouldn’t miss it in my life in the slightest.