Good to give back

IRISH rugby international Mick Galwey retired from the game in 2003, but tonight he lines out for the celebrity tag rugby match, which is part of the Play Tag Festival taking place in Carlow today and tomorrow.

The Kerryman, who also has an All-Ireland Senior Football medal to his credit, is delighted that funds raised from the celebrity match ticket sales go to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust.

“There are people in society less well off than we are. It’s good to be able to highlight that — there’s a feelgood factor around helping out. The IRFU Charitable Trust looks after injured rugby players. A lot of them need 24/7 care. Rugby has been good to me, so it’s good to be able to give back.”

Based in Kilkenny, Mick, who works for security company Netwatch, is married to Joan and has four children ranging in age from six to 13. ¦ Play Tag Festival is looking to break the Guinness World Record by attracting 256 tag rugby teams to Carlow for the biggest tag rugby festival ever. For updates, visit www.playtagfestival.com.

What shape are you in?

I’m not as fit as I was when I was playing rugby, but I’m still pretty aerobically fit. I never got any serious rugby injuries. I do a lot of cycling — I cycle at least a couple of times a week.

Do you have any health concerns?

There’s a history of diabetes and cancer in my family. I just try to stay as fit as I can - I walk regularly too.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I like home-cooking — potatoes, vegetables, meat. I stay away from processed foods.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I don’t really have a sweet tooth, but I like Mexican food, which to a degree is healthy. But then you have all those dips that go with it — the sour cream and the salsas.

What would keep you awake at night?

I sleep very well. I don’t even have a problem in hotel beds — once I hit the pillow, I nod off. I tend not to let stress keep me awake. Money matters and worries about family health might keep me awake but, overall, I try not to stress out too much because I believe everything sorts itself out in some shape or form.

How do you relax?

I like spending time with my family, as well as putting my feet up at night and watching TV. When I’m in Kerry, I’ll walk on the beach. In Kilkenny, I walk by the river.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Tom Crean — a Kerryman whom we only started hearing about in the last 10 years. I’d love to hear his story in his own words.

What’s your favourite smell?

My earliest memory of smell is of summer and hay.

That fresh smell, I love it.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’m happy enough with my appearance. I don’t have issue with it. God made me how I am. I’m no Prince Charming, of course, and I’d probably like to have nicer teeth. My kids say I have a crooked toe.

When did you last cry?

I’m emotional. I wouldn’t have a problem admitting that. I’d cry at friends’ funerals.

What trait do you least like in others?

Dishonesty — people who can’t be themselves. If you’re yourself, anybody worth their salt will accept you.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’d like to think I’d be straight with people. I’m happy with who I am with what I do.

Do you pray?

I pray a bit. Having four kids, I’m conscious of their safety. I wouldn’t go to church every Sunday, but sometimes, when I’m driving and I see a church, I stop and say a quick prayer, particularly if it’s a church I haven’t seen before. I did that in New Zealand when I was out there for the World Cup.

What would cheer up your day?

Something as simple as a smile or a laugh.