An even tenor: Matthew Gilsenan

Matthew Gilsenan is one of the trio who makes up the Celtic Tenors, a group that has topped the charts in the US, Canada, Germany, Britain and Ireland.

The 41-year-old, who lives “in a corner” of his family’s Co Meath-based farm is married to Celestine and a dad of three – Seán, nine, Grace, six, and Rose, four – says his 97-year-old grandfather is one of his guides to longevity.

“He’s still driving and still buying cattle. He has a very synchronised life – every day is similar to the last.”

Matthew’s younger sister, Deirdre Shannon, who has toured as a Celtic Woman and as Goddess of Éireann with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, will sing with the Celtic Tenors at their next performance, which is at the National Concert Hall next Wednesday.

¦ Tickets at €25, for The Celtic Tenors concert can be purchased directly from the NCH on 01-4170000 or visit www.nch.ie.

What shape are you in?

I’m actually not bad. I’m six foot two and I’ve always been a skinny kind of guy. When I turned 39, I said ‘I’m going to get fit’.

Three or four times a week, I do a four-mile run. I try to do it no matter where I am in the world. I’m not a marathon man — I think it would break my skinny body.

Do you have any health concerns?

Not really — I’m very lucky. The only thing, which prevented me from doing sports when I was younger, was a little bit of hayfever that was with me for a lot of the year. It was a kind of asthma. In recent years, I’ve got my technique more solid in singing, so my breathing has improved.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I have porridge every day. I also have a love for the Irish flora — if you blanch baby dandelion leaves they’re delicious. I believe they’re extremely high in a broad spectrum of vitamins. I like nettle soup and watercress.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

If ever I get a chance to have foie gras, I love it. I find it irresistible.

What would keep you awake at night?

Celtic Tenors usually — I take on a lot of the responsibility for entering new markets and making it work. Because I’m dealing a lot with China, Australia, the West coast of America, much of the work is late at night. Last night I was on the phone at 1am doing hard-nosed business with lawyers. It means I’m still buzzing when I go to bed.

How do you relax?

Running is a great way to relax and process decisions. I find it very therapeutic. I also like swimming but ultimately I relax by doing something fun with the kids.

What’s your favourite smell?

I have to say putting my nose into a tube of vanilla pods is wonderful.

When did you last cry?

Watching Modern Family recently — my wife and I both got teary-eyed at one stage.

What would you change about your appearance?

I always thought I was too skinny and wished I was more meaty. Now I think I’m better off the way I am.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Jussi Bjorling, who’s the best tenor in the world; a guest who would cook because I love my food, so Heston Blumenthal; also Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

What trait do you least like in others?

Insincerity in friendship.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I wish I had a slightly longer fuse sometimes. I say what comes into my mind.

Do you pray?

I have a funny relationship with religion. I’m among the many who have been totally disillusioned by some aspects of the Church but there are so many brilliant priests, nuns and brothers and they’ve been shafted. But I do pray.

If I’m in a hotel room, away from my family, and have trouble sleeping, a little prayer is the only thing.

What would cheer up your day?

A little kind word from any of my children or my wife — a genuine bit of love shown.