Raising the bar

LEINSTER rugby player Kevin McLaughlin turned 29 last week.

With six Irish caps under his belt, he’s at a point in his career where it’s playing the long game that counts — he wants to use his profile to help others. His charity of choice is ARC Cancer Support Centre, a voluntary organisation which supports people affected by cancer. And it’s personal. Two uncles, on his father’s side, died due to cancer.

A board member of ARC, his first visit to one of its centres in Eccles St, Dublin, made a big impression.

“I was blown away by the service they provide,” he says. “I was struck by the homely atmosphere, that there are people there giving up their free time to look after cancer patients and their families.

“Everyone knows there is good medical care in Ireland but the psychological and spiritual sides are not looked after as well. Anyone who has gone through the process will agree that getting the mind right and feeling positive is as important as getting the medical care.”

One of three children from Terenure, Co Dublin, he now lives in Donnybrook beside UCD where the team trains. He is also spoken for: he has been with his girlfriend for four years.

* Kevin McLaughlin is supporting the Torch of Hope Relay, an event taking place around Dublin Bay on Sunday, Oct 13, at 2pm in aid of ARC Cancer Support Centre. For a fundraising pack and sponsorship card, visit www.arccancersupport.ie or call 01-8307333. Closing date for registration is Oct 9.

What shape are you in?

I like to think I’m in decent shape. Some of the lads would disagree. I wouldn’t be as in good shape as some of the wingers on the team, but better than the front runners.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’ve cut most of the gluten — bread and pasta — from my diet. I’ve felt pretty good since I tried it. My one concern is that maybe I’m intolerant to gluten, though that could be the placebo effect.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Breakfast — it’s the same pretty much every morning. I have porridge and berries, some seeds, a few eggs and a cup of green tea. I used to have toast — I miss it.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I love to go out and eat a steak and chips — I try and limit myself to one cheat meal a week. I eat quite a lot of 85% dark chocolate — Green & Black’s do a beautiful one.

What would keep you awake at night?

Sometimes I get a bit stressed about a big game — what have I done or what haven’t I done. Otherwise, I normally sleep like a baby. I try to get to bed by 10 o’clock most week nights.

How do you relax?

Reading or watching a TV series on Netflix. Maybe at about 8.30pm or 9pm, I’d sit down and watch an episode before I go to bed. That helps me to wind down.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Alex Ferguson, José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola — I think they would make for a very fiery conversation.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the smell of a fry-up — even the smell of bacon cooking can get me out of bed very quickly. Or the smell of my mum’s brown bread cooking.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

My nose — it’s pretty much squashed into my face right now. When I’ve finished playing, I am going to have to get it straightened.

When did you last cry?

Last Sunday, when Man United lost 4-1 against Man City.

What trait do you least like in others?

I don’t like people who are too serious because I can be quite serious myself at times.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I like to be very organised and sometimes if I’m not, it stresses me out a little bit.

Do you pray?

Not really. I go to Mass sometimes. I try to live by my own values.

What would cheer up your day?

A good meal at the end of a long day of training. There’s nothing better.