Maeve Higgins: An empire state of mind

As Maeve Higgins starts a new column with the Irish Examiner, and her adopted home celebrates Independence Day, she talks to Marjorie Brennan about life in New York, the benefits of a portfolio career and how the cakes will always be nicer in Cork

Maeve Higgins, pictured in her hometown of Cobh, Co. Cork. Pic: Clare Keogh

It is the done thing for New Yorkers to decamp to the swanky Hamptons for the summer but for Maeve Higgins, it was her home town of Cobh in Co Cork that beckoned when temperatures began to rise in the Big Apple.

“I can’t stand the summer over there, it is really hot and humid. It is not really a busy time for shows and stuff so I’m back in Cobh staying with my family for the summer,” says Higgins, who has been based in New York for more than seven years. “I’m delighted to be here. The restrictions are easing a bit now and Cobh and Cork city are so gorgeous now, with everyone outside, it makes such a big difference.”