The Shape I’m In: Tommy Fleming

IT may be the sound of the Atlantic crashing against the coastline, an umbilical attachment to the county of his birth, or simple home comforts. Whatever the reason, Tommy Fleming insists on sleeping in his own bed every night, no matter how far he has to travel after a gig. “I drive home to Sligo even when I’m down in Cork. 

I’ll be 25 years this year on the road and I prefer to be in my own bed,” says the singer who has sold more than 2m records.

Living in Enniscrone with the beach just a hop and a skip away, the 44-year-old is married to Tina. Their only child Rebecca is studying journalism in Dublin. He also counts his two dogs — Teddy and Robbie — as part of the family.

“One is a jack russell, the other is a cross between a yorkshire and a maltese — he is a gorgeous little thing.

“Someone said to me one night that I care more about animals than I do about children my answer to them was I probably do because dogs will love you unconditionally and they know when something bothers you and they know when to put the head down on your lap to say it’ll be fine. I often wish when I’m on holidays I could text them to see if they are alright.”

Tommy Fleming performs at Cork Opera House on February 5-6.

What shape are you in?

I’ve ongoing back issues as a result of breaking my neck in a car accident in 1998. But I know what to do to keep pain free. I work out in the gym, every morning except Sunday morning. I am meticulous about it because I’m prone to putting on weight. Mostly it’s for my head.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m not a ‘fry-up in the morning’ man. I’m careful of what I eat but I’m not over-the-top careful. If I’m up really early the first thing I’ll have is a banana and an orange or an apple.

And then around 11am I’ll have porridge or something like that and that sets me up completely for the day.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Really creamy mashed potato with about a half a pound of butter, two boiled eggs scooped out and scallions mixed in with it. It’s my mother’s dish. We had our own spuds and own eggs because we grew up on a farm.

What would keep you awake at night?

I try to say I’m not a worrier but I am ... if something enters my head that I think I have to do or there is something bothering me that would keep me awake. As I’ve gotten older I worry less.

How do you relax?

I go surfing — we live right beside the sea. I love nothing more than having a few nights off and being able to go out for a meal with Tina or meet up with friends for a few pints. Or a walk with what I call my two best friends — the dogs.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Barbra Streisand. I think she is the most amazing talent. Obviously, I would love to have my parents back but that’s not going to happen. I love having my family on both sides. And I’m blessed with great friends.

What’s your favourite smell?

Bread baking in the oven. Freshly cut grass. The smell of paint always reminds me of my grandmother’s house. And fried onions always remind me of my mother’s. She would always say there is nothing nicer than the smell of a cooking dinner coming into a house.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I would have 20 years ago. Now I care about my appearance but there is nothing I’d change.

When is the last time you cried?

I shed a tear yesterday because I watched Marley and Me. I sent a text to my daughter saying ‘remind me never to watch Marley and Me again’. I was in bits.

What traits do you least like in others?

Dishonesty. And over-confidence to a point of showing off.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I find it very hard to take a compliment. After a performance, I say thank you and everything else. But there are times when I feel like a bit of a fraud.

Do you pray?

I’m not overly religious and I never have been. I think too many bad things are done in the name of religion.

I do believe. I have a spirituality. I carry my mother’s rosary beads all the time; I also carry my dad’s hanky and I speak to them. They are my link to above if there is an above.

What would cheer up your day?

My dogs. Whatever time I come home — even if it’s the middle of the night — the welcome is so amazing. No matter what you’ve done.