Dragon on fire

BEING the newest dragon on RTE’s Dragons Den has been great fun, says US-born Sean O’Sullivan, whose technology firm, Avego, has offices in Kinsale, China and the US.

“It’s a shock - being recognised by people. I’m often approached in restaurants. People come up and chat with me. It’s been great fun,” says the 47-year-old, who’s married to Tish Durkin.

Sean, who in previous incarnations set up a rock band and worked as a film-maker, lives two months a year in the US and a further two months in China. Otherwise, home is Kinsale.

When asked who has most influenced him towards good health, the dad of two says simply looking at others and avoiding the habits that get them into trouble has been a motivator. “I don’t consider smoking or being overweight appealing. I try to learn from the bad experiences of others. I’ve never given up the dream of being a swimsuit model,” he jokes.

What shape are you in?

I could stand to lose 10lbs. I don’t exercise - my only exercise is that I often walk to work. That’s a 10-minute walk up a very steep hill. In an ideal world I’d exercise 10 times a month, in the real world it’s once a month.

Do you have any health concerns?

There’s nothing wrong at present. The thing that most of the men on my father’s side of the family have in common is that they die of cerebral aneurysm. It doesn’t normally hit until the late 50s or 60s. I’ve had a brain scan and there was nothing there.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I don’t drink coffee or alcohol. For the last 18 months I’ve been on a health kick - I guess the healthiest thing I do is having two tablespoons of linseed in a glass of orange juice for breakfast every morning.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I have a sweet tooth. I snack a lot on desserts and candy bars. If I were to have a meal that’s a guilty pleasure, it would generally be Mexican food - beef and bean burritos with sour cream.

What would keep you awake at night?

Nothing would keep me awake. I work 12, 16 or 18-hour days so when I hit the bed I’m tired enough to go to sleep.

How do you relax?

I like to walk - to and from work or around the neighbourhood. I find walking clears the head.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I enjoy having a laugh so I’d invite some comedians - Steve Martin, the writers from The Simpsons, some of my friends from film school.

What’s your favourite smell?

I like the smell of a new book or some new plastic thing.

When did you last cry?

I cry all the time at movies - so I’ve probably cried in the last couple of weeks.

What would you change about your appearance?

I need to get my hair cut and lose 10lbs.

What trait do you least like in others?

I least like people who are full of themselves or who are very rude.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d like to be less serious a greater amount of the time. I’d like to be able to work a little bit less.

Do you pray?

Yes, I pray daily just before I retire to sleep. I generally go to Mass on Sundays.

What would cheer up your day?

Just a laugh - joking around with co-workers.