A question of taste with Risteárd Cooper

We met up with Dublin-born Risteárd Cooper - one third of the Après Match crew - to find out what makes him tick. 

How will Ireland get on in the Euros?

I don’t think it’s being too optimistic to predict they could get at least three draws.

Best recent book:

The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan.

Best recent film:

’71.

Best recent show/gig you’ve seen:

There was a great gig in Vicar Street recently called Vicar Spraoi — a fundraiser for gaelscoil Lios Na nÓg in Ranelagh. Scullion who I’d never seen before (shame on me) were on fire. Their set was so tight, there was a palpable bond between them. Altan were their usual fantastic selves and Liam Ó Maonlaí sang an impassioned version of ‘Purple Rain’.

What formats do you use to access music?

Everything. I listen to all sorts of music all the time. Apart from country music, which makes me spasm like a dying fish. I like the immediacy of Spotify and other times it would have to be an old favourite album. Usually on CD sometimes on cassette! I often go from hopping around the place listening to ‘A Whole Lotta Rosie’, to sitting back, listening to the mellow tones of Fischer-Dieskau singing lieder.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately:

I’ve been a big fan of Cinematic Orchestra for a while and I love listening to ‘Arrival of the Birds’ at the moment. Also I like anything by Little Green Cars.

First ever piece of music or art or film or gig that really moved you:

Presuming theatre is considered art or gig here , I’d say The Homecoming by Harold Pinter directed by Robin Lefevre and starring the brilliant Lia Williams at The Gate Theatre Dublin.

Again I probably get more animated about good theatre than anything else. It’s so hard to get right so, when it does work, it connects in a way nothing else does for me.

Best thing ever?

I’d say A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller in the West End about 10 years ago with and incredible performance by Ken Stott and the then unknown Hayley Atwell.

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I watch sport on TV and not much else. Unless I’m studying something for a sketch, in which case I could be watching anything from Ireland AM to Nationwide. What a plight! I’ve just started the second series of Bloodline on Netflix which is a ripping good yarn.

Radio listening:

Sean Moncrieff all the way. The best show and presenter on any station. End of. George Hook is always worth a listen for material too.

Name three of your comedy heroes:

Billy Connolly, Peter Sellers and Julia Davis.

Your best celebrity encounter: 

Probably when I met Andre Agassi and thought he was Bruce Willis. It was after he had the mullet in fairness.

Tech habits:

iPad for writing scripts, reading scripts. iPhone for news, and the odd peek at Twitter

Unsung hero — individual, organisation or group you think don’t get the profile/praise they deserve:

Our Après Match producer Gráinne O’Carroll — brilliant at her own job and about five others at the same time.

You are king for a day — what’s your first decree?

Lionel Messi is declared Irish and starts against Sweden.

The Apres Match crew will be appearing on RTÉ during Euro 2016, and touring to Vicar Street, Dublin, June 17 and 24; Clonmel Junction Festival, July 5; Cork Opera House, July 8; National Opera House, Wexford, July 9.