The Shape I’m In: Aidan O’Mahony
While dominant on the GAA field, ballroom dancing is a different matter. “For someone like me, it’s a challenge.
“You’re trying to pick up a dance in the space of a week or two weeks — you give it your all,” says the 36-year-old.
With five All-Ireland medals to his name, he is used to performing in the public eye.
Understandably, this does not transfer to doing a fox trot on live TV.
“On the pitch, you’ve 75 minutes to rectify a mistake whereas you’ve a minute and a half to ruin yourself or make yourself [on the show]. You can’t afford to make a slip-up.
“When you play in Croke Park the crowd is some bit away from you, the camera is not in your face. When you’re dancing, the camera is on top of you the whole time.”
Pressure to perform aside, he’s enjoying the competition and its diversity.
“You mightn’t get the opportunity [again] to be in a competition with people from different walks of life. You can see the amount of work everyone is putting in to it —you’d respect them a lot for that.”
He famously continued to play and score two points with a broken left leg, but it’s not giving him any trouble on the dance floor. Other injuries, however, have come back to haunt him.
“I broke my collar bone in 2001 and it doesn’t sit down. For the quick step your shoulders need to be relaxed.”
A member of the Garda Síochána, working in community policing in Tralee, he is married to Denise — their first child is due in March.
“People are probably saying he’s mad to be doing it when there is so much going on but look but when you think of it — the show it could be over this week or in a few weeks. We’ll see.”
What shape are you in?
In good shape. I train every day. With the dance — you’re practising nearly seven or eight hours a day. I go to the gym every evening for an hour and a half. I’ve a sporting background so I train nearly seven days a week.
What are your healthiest eating habits?
I try to eat as little bread as possible. I’m big into salads — anything green. I’m also a big believer in Nutri Bullets. I wouldn’t drink any fizzy drinks. I love water. I try to get as many colours as I can into my food every day. I know myself you create energy from the food you eat. So I try to eat as clean as possible.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I’ve a bit of a sweet tooth. But I don’t give in to it that much. My downfall would be a biscuit at night time, a piece of Toblerone or pick ’n’ mix.
What would keep you awake at night?
For the first few weeks of show, coming up to the live shows.
How do you relax?
My wife and I go for walks — we live near the National Park in Killarney, Other times, I read. I’m currently studying for a degree in strength and conditioning, so I do a lot of reading at night time.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Roy Keane — I’ve looked up to him for years — Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.
What is your favourite smell?
Hermes would be a nice cologne. My wife buys it for me.
What would you like to change about your appearance?
I’m comfortable enough with myself. I’m a shy person. I’m not one of the people who’s out and about and who wants to be seen here and there. I like to be in the background — people can see that in the live shows, I’m always the one in the back corner.
When is the last time you cried?
After the All-Ireland semi-final in Dublin last August. I was caught on camera, there were a few tears coming down the face. And there was nearly a tear when my wife told me she was pregnant.
What traits do you admire in others?
Sincerity, more than anything. Honesty is probably the biggest of all.
What traits do you least like in yourself?
My wife probably thinks I train too much. I’m on the road constantly. I think every GAA wife or partner would acknowledge that.
Do you pray?
I go to Mass at times. I wouldn’t go every weekend.
What would cheer up your day?
If I don’t get eliminated from Dancing with the Stars.
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