Neilí Conroy

Fair City star

Do you like scary movies?

Yes, although I don’t watch them at all anymore. I guess I should start but they can freak me out a bit. As a child I came upon Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty For Me and that had a terrible effect on me.

Did you have any Halloween traditions in your house growing up, and have you made any new ones with your own children?

My mam used to make chocolate apples for the kids. When I was growing up, you’d have your curly kale for dinner, then we’d get dressed up and go round the doors. Afterwards we’d play the Halloween games like bobbing for apples and we would go see the bonfire. In my own house with my kids, I still do the curly kale and put in money (which means you’ll be rich), a stick (you’ll be beaten) and a bit of a rag (you’ll be poor). When my kids were small we lived in East Wall, Dublin and Halloween is a huge community event there. Everyone dresses up and goes round door to door and then there is a massive parade through the streets with storytelling and frights along the way, ending up at a haunted house in the playground – it’s absolutely brilliant. It’s a big family event and very safe, everyone makes a great effort with costumes.

Do you believe in ghosts, and have you ever had a spooky encounter?

I do believe in ghosts, yes. I haven’t had any frightening experiences but I can often sense a presence or a feeling in places.

So what are your thoughts on psychic powers? Have you ever been to a psychic?

I absolutely believe some people have psychic powers. I have been to many people who are psychic and have had wonderful experiences. I think some of them are amazing and it’s always fascinating to meet them.