I'm in full voice

FIONNUALA Gill was a founding member of choral group Anúna, and a lead singer with Riverdance. The 43-year-old, who’s based in Portmarnock, now has a solo career and was encouraged by Eurovision winners Secret Garden.

"Rolf Lovland and Fionnuala Sherry, from Secret Garden, have been very good friends. I’ve recorded on two of their albums,” she says. Fionnuala, who has sung for the President, Queen Fabiola of Belgium, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, also works as a mindfulness teacher. She is a Reiki practitioner and aromatherapist. “At this point in my life, mindfulness is what helps me most. I meditate everyday. It helps me find stillness in crazy times. I’m training to be a yoga teacher so I do a bit of stretching everyday. Touring is exciting but it’s destabilising for the body because of jet lag, not knowing when you’re going to have your next meal or what you’re going to be served. My yoga mat is the first thing that goes into my bag when I’m going on tour.” Fionnuala has been in a relationship with Cuban Daniel Diago, a yoga teacher, for three years. Fionnuala has an adored cocker spaniel called Luna.

Fionnuala Gill releases her solo album Whispers of Love at the end of April.

What shape are you in?

I’m in good shape, though I have to work at it more as I get older. When I was younger, I could eat what I liked because I have the metabolism of my dad, who’s very thin. My main exercise is walking the dog everyday and I also do 10 minutes of yoga each day.

Do you have any health concerns?

I had a car crash 15 years ago and got very bad whiplash — it affected my lower back. I find yoga great for alleviating stiffness. I’ve also had chronic fatigue syndrome, so I have to be very aware of sleep, of what I eat, as well as my stress levels.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I drink a lot of herbal teas and I do a lot of juicing, particularly green juices — like celery, cucumber and apple in the morning. I take a powder called ‘super greens,’ which has wheatgrass, spirulina and chlorella — this helps to maintain stamina. I’ve massively reduced my intake of dairy, wheat and refined sugar. I try to eat simple, home-made food, including a lot of fresh vegetables, fruit and brown rice.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate, the odd Danish pastry and fresh white baguettes. Toast with a strong cup of tea.

What would keep you awake at night?

Stress and anxiety around deadlines — feeling I’m not well enough prepared for something would keep me awake. During the last few years, concerns about money would also affect sleep — as a freelance musician, I’m not guaranteed work. But I work as a mindfulness teacher so I have other things in the pot.

How do you relax?

I love listening to Lyric FM late at night. I love spending time with Danny and Luna. Time in nature is wonderful.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

The Dalai Lama, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy — she was such a wonderful voice of sense and justice in those crazy Celtic Tiger times — and I’d also invite Christy Moore. There’s something very rooted in his Irishness. And I’d love to meet Kate Middleton — she and William have just got a black cocker spaniel.

What’s your favourite smell?

Wet dog and the smell of horses and cut grass.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I’d like to be taller. I’m less than five foot three.

When did you last cry?

Very recently when I heard about a dog who’d been lost on the beach and then he got knocked down and died.

What trait do you least like in others?

I find competitiveness very challenging in other people. My philosophy is that there’s room for everyone and we all have very special gifts. Greed is another thing I can’t abide — somebody feathering their own nest without any concern for others.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d like to be more confident. I often doubt myself. I’ve learned confidence but I think life would have been different if I’d been more self-assured growing up.

Do you pray?

I do, though I’m not a church-goer on any regular basis. I’ve had many experiences of feeling held by an energy bigger than me. I’m conscious of a divine presence in my life.

What would cheer up your day?

Spending time with Danny and listening to music — it has an amazing ability to shift my mood. My dog cheers me up every day.