A question of taste: Cathy Belton

Cathy Belton is currently playing Patricia Hennessy in Red Rock on TV3, and also plays Roy’s mother in Roy, the story of a cartoon boy.

Best recent book: Eileen Gray: Her Work And Her World by Jennifer Goff, a beautiful illustrated book about the renowned Irish architect and designer.

Best recent film: Birdman — just brilliant! Masterful performances by Michael Keaton and Edward Norton.

Best recent show/exhibition: Duncan Campbell’s exhibition at IMMA compromising of four of his major film works, including his Turner prize winning film It For Others.

Food for so many thoughts on how we are manipulated by documentary, what is actual and what is imagined.

Loved it, in particular Bernadette, based on the MP and activist Bernadette Devlin.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately: The Kinks’ ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and Adrian Crowley’s new album Some Blue Morning.

First ever piece of music or art that really moved you: Druid Theatre’s 1987 production of Tom Murphy’s Conversations On A Homecoming.

Truly unforgettable and I was transported from my seat in Druid theatre that night to that pub in Tuam with those souls for those few hours.

Marie Mullen, Sean McGinley, Jane Brennan and Maeliosa Stafford were all sublime in it.

TV viewing: Glued to Wolf Hall at the moment on BBC Two. Stunning tv period drama at the top of its game.

House of Cards is addictive on Netfilx and of course Red Rock on TV3.

Radio listening: Morning Ireland, Marion Finucane Show, Playback with Marion Richardson, Drama on One and BBC4 Radio drama. Ian Dempsey’z breakfast Show and Gift Grub. Pat Kenny on Newstalk.

Best recent holiday: Errislanan, Clifden, Co Galway wild and wonderful. Atlantic sea air, cosy fire and great food.

Best celebrity encounter: Philip Seymour Hoffman. An utter gentleman.

He came to see a play I was in in New York and stayed around after to meet us. A sublime talent and a humble, intelligent beautiful man. What a loss to the world.

Best animal encounter: A big beautiful cat called Wednesday. She has brought me over after all these years to the cat side. Was never too fond of cats, and was always a dog lover but this lady who I now live with is the size of a dog and as loving as any dog I have ever had. Wednesday the dog-cat, a top lady.

Most expensive item of clothing you’ve ever bought: A beautiful cream kimono styled Hoss coat many years ago. It was £500 at the time I still have and still wear it. Worth taking out the mortgage for it!

Tech habits: Ipad is wonderful for scripts and line learning. I store all my film and tv scripts in an app called Rehearsal 2 which is a must for any actor. It records your lines you can make notes and record any notes and you are not carry around bulky scripts to and from work.

Weekend treat: The Sunday papers and long leisurely brunch gets me every time.

Health and fitness: I run and do yoga and also go to an amazing trainer called Mark Behan who runs Bodytec, which is a form of training that involves electric waves sent through the body to stimulate muscle and strengthen core. One of the best trainers I have ever worked with and he has kept me motivated by getting great results and making it fun too.

I love the outdoors so any chance i get to take a walk by the sea or up a mountain, and I’m gone.

Unsung hero: Fr Peter McVerry who has been working tirelessly with young vulnerable people in Dublin tackling homelessness and drug abuse.

Cancer Care West (Galway) — I have had personal experience with family and cancer and Cancer Care West provides a holistic service that complements medical treatment to anyone affected by cancer. A charitable organization and sadly a very busy organisation.

You are queen for a day – what’s your first decree? No taxes from here on in and more posts to lock your bicycle to in Dublin.

Red Rock airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 8.30pm on TV3.