Born and raised in the Connemara Gaeltacht, Cormac Ó hEadhra was ‘built bilingual’. He studied Finance, Computing and Enterprise in Dublin City University before joining RTÉ as a reporter. A qualified barrister, Ó hEadhra started with Radio na Gaeltachta in Dublin in 2007. Today he presents the drivetime current affairs programme Cormac ag a Cúig on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, and will be broadcasting live from London on Friday, April 17.
What are you up to right now?
Researching possible coalition partners (in Ireland). Preparing for our current affairs, drivetime programme on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta that airs daily. And filling in a questionnaire for one of my favourite publications!
Who are your heroes?
Generally, people who can think and act strongly through adversity. Also, people who ‘are themselves’.
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
The first — I made most progress then!
What song sends a shiver down your spine?
Amhrán Mhuinse. A sean-nós song about death. I’m not a massive fan of sean-nós but that is a powerful song. It’s poetic and haunting.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Trá an Chaoráin Bhig. A small, local, rocky beach in Connemara, where I’m from.
What makes you angry?
Not meeting my own expectations!
What book influenced you most?
Maybe not ‘most’, but I found The Until Yesterday by Jared Diamond very interesting.
What was the worst moment of your life?
Unfair question, given I have so many to choose from.
Which local star in any field should the world outside Ireland know about?
Any hurling star — take your pick. Uniquely Irish, an unbeatable sport.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Second-guessing…or maybe not…
What is your favourite film and why?
When We Were Kings, about Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman. Or for intellectual stimulation, Dumb & Dumber.
Can you recommend an interesting website?
I can recommend two. One is Century Ireland, about Ireland 100 years ago rte.ie/centuryireland and two is logainm.ie about Irish place names.
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
Keep on keepin’ on.
What do you believe in?
Good question. Sa Rí nó sa Bhanríon atá ar Neamh!
What trait do others criticise you for?
For not taking seriously things I don’t consider to be significant.
What are the best and worst things about where you live?
I live in West Dublin — close to the 700 hectares of The Phoenix Park. Not enough local amenities.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
The premise of the question suggests it is sometimes OK to lie. You should take a long look at yourself!
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
Maybe the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. After painting the ceilings of my house recently I know how difficult it must have been for Michelangelo!
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Too many bloody scones and tea!
Who is the love of your life?
My wife Ruth.
Tune in to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s live broadcast from London on Friday April 17, or listen online at rte.ie
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