When and where did you first try sailing?
Age 5 but I think I was actually on a boat after few months of being born! Sailing on family boats around Ireland & Scotland.
Who introduced you to sailing?
My Dad.
What was the first boat you raced?
Optimist.
What was the first race you won?
Optimist Northerns.
When did you first represent Ireland?
1999 Mirror Worlds in South Africa.
How did you progress from a Club sailor to an Olympic class sailor?
I started winning regattas in Ireland in many of the Junior classes. I then progressed to sailing Lasers at international events.
What’s your boat name?
Tighter the Better (Don’t ask!) lol.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career to date?
My Dad.
What was your worst sailing moment?
British Youth Championships. I was winning the event and got two black flags in the final two races. I thought I had won both! That was a big deal for me back then.
What was your best sailing moment?
Qualifying for the London 2012 Olympics at the Worlds in Perth. The medal race was awesome experience.
What is your favourite boat to sail?
Moth.
Describe your crew in three words:
Determined, Hard working, Fun.
What do you eat for breakfast on a race day?
Clusters cereal & coffee.
What three things are always in your suitcase?
Passport, Wallet, Phone (My mum says that’s all I need!).
What is the best sailing venue in Ireland?
Belfast Lough.
What is the best sailing venue in the world?
Lake Garda, Italy.
What was your most expensive sailing accident?
2010 49er Words we nailed our 49er into a reef! It nearly sank.
What’s the top speed you’ve reached sailing?
30 knots.
If you weren’t a full-time sailor what would you be?
I don’t know, I always wanted to be a professional sailor. I would like to be a Rockstar...
Do you have any heroes?
Ben Ainslie, James Cracknell, Mum & Dad.
Do you play any other sports?
Biking, surfing, boxing.
What do you do for fun?
Partying, surfing, playing my guitar, eating.
What word or phrase best depicts your personality?
Competitive.
What’s your best attribute?
Determined.
What’s your worst habit?
I forget things!
What makes you angry?
Not winning in sports.
What’s your dream holiday?
Partying on a boat in the sun with my mates and enjoying a rum and coke!
What’s your favourite food?
Steak and chips (don’t forget the pepper sauce) and a DAMMMMMM cold beer!
Who’s your favourite band?
Arctic Monkeys.
What’s your favourite TV show or movie?
Top-Gun.
If you had a theme song – what would it be?
Bryan Adams – Never let go.
If they made a movie of your life – who would play you?
Brad Pitt!
In 10 years’ time I would like to be:
An Olympic Gold Medallist, a husband and Dad & rich! And still look 26…