Shape I'm In: Paul Flynn, GAA footballer

DUBLIN GAA footballer Paul Flynn is flying high. Seven months ago, he joined Aer Lingus in employee engagement, working across all the different functions, with managers and employees.

“We are going through a culture change. As such, it’s about employees becoming more engaged in their role and becoming more productive, and creating a happier work environment,” says the 27-year-old.

The skills he has learned playing have also been applied to the workplace. “You would be definitely using a lot of the same skills — building the right culture within a football team, different motivating tools that you use along the way. It’s about small steps, and not trying to run into things.”

He didn’t set out to work with the national airline: at college, he studied PE and biology. “It’s a little bit different to the career I’m in. You take a lot of learning from whatever degree you do, and you can transfer knowledge,” he says.

A native of Swords, Co Dublin, he is the youngest of a family of eight and has a girlfriend — Fiona Hudson.

What shape are you in?

I’m just coming back from an injury — I had a slight strain in the quad muscle. I did a couple of weeks in the gym and a couple of pit sessions. I feel quiet fresh and feel fit and am looking forward to getting back into the action.

Do you have any health concerns?

No, thank God. I’m pretty OK on the health side of things. Your physical fitness can help you with that — your immune system is strong.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I base my diet on loads of fruit and veg and meat and nuts — there’s no processed foods. I eat brown bread only after training, sparingly. I take four Eskimo fish-oil capsules every day.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

At the weekends, I do like to have a cheat day: a Nando’s spicy chicken and, at the cinema, get a load of popcorn, ice cream, Maltesers. I go all out.

What would keep you awake at night?

Sometimes, I can have 101 things racing through my mind — whether it be the pitch or work issues — if I’m on the go all day and don’t have time to think about things.

How do you relax?

I watch a lot of television. I recently finished House of Cards, on Netflix — it’s a pretty amazing show. I also do a bit of social media or reading.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Kevin Heffernan, a Dublin legend; Alex Ferguson, I’m a huge United fan; and Muhammad Ali, he’s a character.

What’s your favourite smell?

My mother’s homemade curry.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’m not going to lie. I wouldn’t mind being able to grow a big beard. I can’t do it. I wouldn’t be able to pull off Gordon Darcy’s beard.

When did you last cry?

When a childhood friend passed away a few years ago.

What trait do you least like in others?

Slyness. I like people where what you see is what you get.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Like most sports people, we have to be selfish to perform at the top level. And I can be quite selfish when it comes to my training.

Do you pray?

From time to time. Not regularly. The only time I go to Mass is for a baptism, wedding or funeral.

What would cheer up your day?

A third Celtic cross or All-Ireland medal.