Aisling O’Loughlin
The person There are three. Patrick, Louis and Joseph, my sons, are the greatest loves of my life The memory Asking George Clooney for a kiss on the red carpet and instantly regretting it! He reluctantly obliged, but I really wish I hadn’t been so silly — he hates being objectified. I don’t know what came over me. So, ultimately, I regret getting kissed by George Clooney The moment of the day When I finally get the boys down to bed and savour the sound of silence. Bliss The song Hurricane by Bob Dylan. I could put it on repeat all day. It was the only song that helped me run when I was going through a running phase, which lasted all of two weeks The movie Singing in the Rain. I could watch Gene Kelly forever — such a beautiful dancer. I love that he choreographed all the routines, and broke the rules of film-making by being so extravagant and by putting on the ultimate show The hero Author Louise O’Neill, for blazing a trail about rape culture, and for her perseverance, wit and intelligence The book Asking for It by Louise O’Neill, for all that it has achieved in starting a conversation internationally about rape culture. That, and anything by the master of words himself — John Banville. The outfit My jimmy jams. They’re the only things that fit at the minute. Getting back in shape after C-section number three is harder than I imagined. A bit of exercise wouldn’t go astray The accessory My Little Bar of Strength ‘Success’ necklace by Irish designer Melissa Curry The gadget My new Canon camera. I bought it for the website, and I love the results — there’s no comparison with a phone. I just have to read the manual. Any day now The pet hate: People covering their asses at all costs. Very weak The friend The fabulous Hilda O’Connor. No matter what is going on in our lives, we always have a giggle The beauty product I’m a beauty-product fiend. The one perennial is baby oil to get my mascara off. Nothing else works as well. I’m also having a love affair with Hungarian brand Eminence The holiday A trip to Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast with my college buddy, Aideen McGrath, many moons ago. Despite one bust-up over hair straighteners, it was one of my favourite holidays. I fell madly in love with Italy The piece of advice Jog on. I was a bit shook after a nasty break-up years ago, and this very cool, handsome cameraman from Fashion TV told me to ‘jog on’. Those words really registered, and I jogged straight into his arms The drink It has to be a glass of cold Champagne with a good friend. It doesn’t get any better than that The hotel The welcome in The Powerscourt Hotel in Enniskerry is always so warm. A stunning location and a beautiful hotel The bar Durty Nelly’s. I grew up down the road in Shannon, so Durty Nelly’s was part of my weekends in the days when I used to go out and consume more units than recommended. I have great memories of sing-songs around the piano and meeting up with friends The hobby I’d love to bring my piano up from Co Clare and learn a few new tunes, and paint some pictures again. It has been so many years The part of my body: My hands. They’re not manicured or bejewelled, but I like how practical they are: typing, changing nappies, wiping faces, chopping food and putting on make-up The celebrity Joanna Lumley, truly Ab Fab! She was one celebrity who really stood out during all my years on Xpose, as she seemed to be interested in meeting me, too! She was genuinely engaged and so naturally funny. Such a star The virtue Believing in the old-school principles of honour, loyalty and respect The vice Getting up on my high horse about honour, loyalty and respect, considering I’m no saint The smell Fig. Whether it be wafting in the breeze in the summer in France, or in my perfume, fig is my favourite scent: soft, understated and deep The taste All the things that make me bloat: bread, coffee, dairy. Yum!