The Loves of my LIFE

The model and animal lover tells Elle Gordon about some of her favourite people, places and things

Dancing queen Thalia Heffernan

The person

Technically, he’s not a person, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say my dog, Leonard.

The memory

Driving the Great Ocean Road in Australia, with my dad, two years ago, when he visited me while I was modelling over there. Eight hours, brilliant music, great company and spectacular views.

The moment of the day

Getting into bed.

The song

Currently, as this one is ever-changing, it’s The Wild Swans On The Lake by Foy Vance.

The movie

This is a tough one!! I’ve so many favourites, but I’ll have to go with Ray.

The hero

Again, I’m referencing my dad, but what can I say — he’s an incredible man.

The book

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. It’s a family favourite, and every line brings me back to my mum reading it to me before bed. “I love you to the moon and back.”

The vice

Taxis! Spending too much money on them.

The outfit

I try to stay as comfortable and casual as possible. But in work, well, that’s a different story! My incredibly talented friend, Jenny Drea, has a collection that features a peach organza dress. We styled it with a pair of heavily distressed Cheap Monday jeans, for a video shoot for

V Magazine. I adored that outfit.

The accessory

The gold heart pendant necklace my parents gave to me when I was born.

The gadget

My phone, as predictable as that may sound.

The pet hate

Ignorance in any form. As a young girl, I was so lucky to see some incredible places with my family, as my dad produced and directed the travel show No Frontiers on RTE. I was lucky enough to travel to Johannesburg and work as a volunteer in the lion park for a fortnight while he was filming there.

The friend

A really tough one. I’m so lucky to call many wonderful people my friends. January Winters, who I am lucky enough to work with, as well as hang out with on a regular basis, holds my heart.

The drink

I’m a divil for Diet Coke.

The hotel

Ballymaloe House Hotel is just so beautiful, and it’s another place that reminds me of my childhood.

The beauty product

Moxi Loves Eye Catcher Cleansing & Correcting Buds. My dear friend Pamela Laird created this absolutely genius make-up removal product in the form of a cotton bud.

The bar

Whelan’s is a great spot! I love sitting by the fire and having a good pint of Guinness or a hot whiskey, and listening to the live bands.

The piece of advice

You can’t see the stars without the night sky. I like to think of it more as a mantra.

The hobby

Cooking, for sure. I’ve been vegetarian for almost a year now, and I love experimenting with new vegetables and flavours.

The part of my body

My memory. It’s amazing that my mind can remember things from so many years ago with such detail.

The celebrity

I absolutely adore David Attenborough, and the late Steve Irwin.

The virtue

Humility and generosity. With that, comes selflessness, and they are all things that I love in a person.

The smell

My mum’s home cooking.

The taste

I have a massive sweet tooth, and I love nothing more than a coffee alongside something sweet. Preferably chocolate!

“I was lucky enough to travel to Johannesburg and work as a volunteer in the lion park”

“It’s amazing that my mind can remember things from so many years ago with such detail”