FESTIVAL director of the annual West Cork Literary Festival, Eimear O’Herlihy managed Cork city’s iconic Everyman Theatre and worked on the Cork Film Festival before taking up her current role. She loves reading, which comes in very handy for her job, but also means that even when she’s relaxing she’s never entirely off duty. To unwind she “enjoys” running, pilates and yoga all of which she does “badly but with great enthusiasm.”
What are you up to right now?
At this exact moment I’m trying to think of witty, intelligent responses to these questions. When I’m not doing this, I’m festival director of West Cork Literary Festival, a week-long celebration of writing and reading which takes in Bantry, West Cork from July 12-18.
Who are your heroes?
I’m so impressed by everyone who is brave enough to put their words out there and share their writing with the world. We have so many debut writers appearing at this year’s festival and I really admire how dedicated they were in making the time to write their book and then laying it open to the world. It really feels like sharing such a private part of yourself.
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
I’m really enjoying this decade so far. I turned 40 two years ago and I am finally feeling content in myself and in my life (ok, not all of the time but definitely more than I did in my twenties or thirties).
What song sends a shiver down your spine?
During the week a friend sent me a link to three songs — two covers and one original — by a young Cork singer Kayleigh O’Brien. She’s only 16 but she has an amazing voice and she’s definitely a name to watch.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
West Cork, without a doubt. It’s part of the Wild Atlantic Way and the scenery is truly magnificent. And once you’ve built up an appetite hiking out around Sheep’s Head or swimming at one of the gorgeous beaches there are so many incredible restaurants, cafés and markets serving food by local West Cork producers. When I was growing up we always holidayed in West Cork so it’s a really special place for me.
What makes you angry?
Inequality and the refusal to accept that we are all entitled to equal rights.
A reading at the West Cork Literary Festival, which takes place in JulyWhat book influenced you most?
Obviously books play a huge part in my life, or I wouldn’t be doing this job. At the moment I’m really taken with the travel-memoir-nature genre and books such as Rob Cowen’s Common Ground that make me stop and think about the world that we live in and how we interact with our physical landscape. It’s a good reminder to me to slow down and have a greater awareness of where I am.
What was the worst moment of your life?
My father passed away suddenly 18 years ago and nothing before or after has compared with that. The death of a loved one really puts all the other stuff into perspective.
Which local star in any field should the world outside Ireland know about?
A Cork-based writer called Sara Baume but hopefully that’s about to change as her incredible debut novel Spill Simmer Falter Wither has been picked up William Heinemann. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
If I could change one thing in my life, it would be my constant desire to change one thing. I really believe the secret to happiness is being thankful for what we do have in our lives and enjoying every moment of good health and good company. Many of us have a lot more to be thankful for than we might realise.
Can you recommend an interesting website?
One of my favourites is themoth.org, a website and accompanying podcast of real people telling real stories about how remarkable life can be. I love stories that celebrate the amazingness of the every day.
Author David Nicholls is on the bill for the 2015 festivalWhat is the best lesson life has taught you?
Please be kind. We’re all just doing our best!
What is your favourite film and why?
I’m a huge fan of When Harry Met Sally. I think Nora Ephron was such a talented writer, I love all of the crazy ’80s hairdos and shoulder pads and it has an incredible Harry Connick Jr soundtrack.
What do you believe in?
I believe in kindness — my own and other people’s.
What trait do others criticise you for?
My lack of punctuality. At least, I hope that’s it. If there’s something else, please don’t tell me!
What are the best and worst things about where you live?
I live in Cork city and I think it has so much going for it — it has all the benefits of a city such as great restaurants and cafés and a vibrant arts and festival scene, whilst still being easy to get around and it’s so close to the coast. The worst thing is that we are becoming less connected to the outside world — Cork is great but sometimes even Cork people like to take a holiday and every year there seem to be fewer flights options from Cork airport.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
I’ll be there in five minutes!
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
About 10 years ago on my first trip to Florence I saw Michelangelo’s David and I was completely awestruck. I walked into this relatively unassuming gallery, looked up and there he was. It’s a work of incredible beauty and even though I’ve visited it on several occasions since the thunderbolt of the first time I ever saw it has stayed with me.
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Chocolate and wine. My new year’s resolution for 2015 was to have a lot less of each and then not to feel guilty when I do have them. It’s a work in progress…
Who is the love of your life?
I’m still open to all reasonable offers…
Michel Faber, David Nicholls, Rachel Cusk, Neel Mukherjee, Louise O’Neill and Graham Norton are just some of the guests announced for the 2015 West Cork Literary Festival from July 12 to 18. The programme also features investigative journalist Nick Davies, legendary travel writer Dervla Murphy and readings on Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay. See www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie
