The Shape I'm In: Pat Spillane's still on the ball

GAELIC football legend Pat Spillane is not about to let the turf grow under his feet since taking early retirement from teaching in October, 2011.

Along with writing a weekly newspaper column, working with RTÉ and training local teams, he is chairman of CEDRA, a commission for the economic development of rural Ireland.

“There are a lot of people in rural Ireland with great ideas and all they need is a bit of support and encouragement. I am doing it on a voluntary basis. When I retired from teaching, I just wanted to give something back to my country, my community. I have no interest in politics,” says Pat, 57, who was principal of St Goban’s College, in Bantry.

Married to Rosarii, they have three children, Cara, 23, Shóna, 20 and Pat Jr, 13. The couple recently celebrated their silver wedding anniversary.

“We have never fallen out and we are hardly going to start now.”

* Pat has teamed up with Flora to launch the Flora pro.activ Cholesterol Club. Members of the club receive a starter pack by post and are invited to avail of free cholesterol tests. See www.facebook.com/FloraCholesterolClub or email [e-mail].

What shape are you in?

I wouldn’t say I’d be flying fit, but I feel healthy and feel comfortable in myself. Could get fitter and could lose a bit of weight. My knee is banjaxed — I need a knee replacement. I can only walk once a week, for an hour, so, six days a week, I swim and, perhaps, one day a week I walk. The cold, damp weather kills me, or standing for long periods.

Do you have any health concerns?

I had high cholesterol while I was still playing football and flying fit. I couldn’t believe it. There is a bad family history. My father died in his early 40s, of a massive heart attack. I watch my diet, take regular exercise and I take a tablet for my cholesterol — I’ve never had a problem with it since the day I started. I am now in the four-range.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

No butter. No fries. No salt. I could do a lot better with the vegetables. I take about three a day, but still not the recommended five.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Alcohol, now and again. Smithwicks or cans of Coors Light at home, watching a sports event. One unit a week, but the unit is open to interpretation.

What would keep you awake at night?

Money worries, tax. But I’d sleep for Ireland. I sleep ten hours a day since retiring. In my fit days, I slept 12 to 13 hours a day.

How do you relax?

Exercise or else watching sport, either on television or live. Sport is my passion, my escape valve.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Mandela and Obama, as inspirational politicians. From the world of sport, Lionel Messi, and Aidan O’Brien.

What’s your favourite smell?

Freshly cut grass and coffee, which I can’t drink, because I hate the taste of it, but I love the smell.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

Lose a bit of weight. I feel healthy and I feel good, so I wouldn’t get obsessed with calories — my wife keeps track of that.

When did you last cry?

I cry at funerals and at weddings. I’d be a secret crier — it would be a quiet sob.

What trait do you least like in others?

Dishonesty and hypocrisy — drunken people speak with sober minds. I know it from 50 years of experience behind the bar.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Shooting from the lip too quickly, without giving things a little bit of thought.

Do you pray?

I say a few prayers every night, before falling asleep. I would be religious.

What would cheer up your day?

Being with my wife and my children, and any good news involving my family.