A Ray of sunshine

TODAY FM presenter Ray D’Arcy joins Boyzone star Keith Duffy’s Team Duffy on Sunday to raise funds for Irish Autism Action by running in the ironman race in Galway.

Participating stars will include Kathryn Thomas, Keith Barry, Brian Kennedy and Gráinne and Síle Seoige.

“I’m only running a leg of it, just the half marathon at the end. I have a cousin who’s severely autistic — that’s one reason I’m doing it. The other is that Keith Duffy is not only a lovely guy, he’s very persuasive,” says D’Arcy, who is into running.

“I run all the time. In this event, I’ll be running 13 miles, but it’s not like I’m doing it from scratch. I feel a little guilty, in that I’m only doing one leg and it’s the last one and a lot of people running beside me will have cycled 60km, and here am I swanning in at the end.”

The 48-year-old, who recently proposed to fiancée Jenny, became a father for the second time in June when his son, Tom, was born — daughter Kate is five.

What shape are you in?

I’m in good shape. I left parenthood to later in life. When you become a dad late, it polarises everything. It reminded me of my mortality and that it’s important to stay well for your children.

Do you have any health concerns?

I suffered from an allergy to the sun when I was growing up, which curtailed a lot of activity. I’d come out in a severe rash, which was unsightly and very itchy. I’d scratch it and then I’d have open sores. As a result, I have scarring on the back of my hand, but you wouldn’t notice it.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Breakfast is a constant — porridge and three pieces of fruit.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Crisps.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m a born worrier, but I worry less than I did when I was younger. There was a time when I’d have lost sleep over the JLNR figures, but not so much now. If we had a big guest on the next day’s show, I’d start pre-rehearsing the interview in bed — never a good thing. I’m not the greatest sleeper — the slightest bit of activity in my head will keep me awake.

How do you relax?

Running, probably — I’m not very good at relaxing. It doesn’t come easy to me.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I don’t have a lot of heroes. I’d invite my partner, Jenny, my mum, Mary, and Tommy Tiernan.

What’s your favourite smell?

At the moment, it’s the smell of newborn baby. That sensation of them going to sleep on your chest is hard to beat when it comes to life’s experiences.

What would you change about your appearance?

There was a time when I wanted to be taller or have more hair on my head, but I’ve sort of gone beyond that stage in my life. One of the greatest things about getting older is that you accept who you are.

When did you last cry?

At Tom’s birth on Jun 15.

What trait do you least like in others?

Arrogance.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

The important thing about personality traits is they can be changed. It annoys me when people say ‘but this is just me’. Yeah, it is ‘just you’ but you can change it. I hope that, over the years, I’ve changed aspects of myself, but there are a lot of changes still to be done.

Do you pray?

No, I don’t believe in God.

What cheers up your day?

With Kate, the brilliant thing that has happened over the years is that she gets up a little after me, so I always get the chance to sit on the couch with her and talk and we have a 20-second hug — that routine sets me up for the day.