Motors & Me: Shane O’Neill Cork GAA star

What are you currently driving?

A 2014 Toyota Auris

What’s under the bonnet?

My knowledge of cars/engines is pretty limited. All I know is that it is a 1.4L engine and I fill it with diesel once every two weeks — very economical. Doesn’t hurt the pocket too much.

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

Very nice means to get from A to B. It’s a lovely car to drive and surprisingly quiet for a diesel engine. I’ve driven to Dublin a few times as well and it’s also well suited for the motorway. It’s a six speed, so it’s very comfortable.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

Sunday driver all the way.

What was your first car?

First car I drove was my mother’s Toyota Yaris. I learned to drive around some of the industrial estates in Bishopstown. I will admit to not passing my driving test first time around.

What else do/did you own?

I previously owned a Toyota Corolla — that was the first car I bought as well. Never caused me any trouble. Spot the trend? Easily explained by the fact that my Mum’s side of the family own a Toyota garage in Tralee.

Dream drive in dream location?

I’ve seen a few pictures of Route 1 and the Overseas Highway in Florida and it looks pretty amazing. Maybe driving an old-school Ford Mustang.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

Ricky Gervais — he’d do a good job at keeping me entertained and awake behind the wheel anyway.

Passenger you’d least like?

Ken O’Halloran (Cork GAA star) — shocking passenger. Control freak. He tells you how to drive — where to park — when to go — when to stop. LOL

What’s on your playlist?

Right now — Pearl Jam. Anybody that knows me wouldn’t be one bit surprised by that answer. I saw them a good few times at this stage and my most recent trip to one of their gigs was to the San Siro in Milan. I don’t think I’ll get tired of listening to them or seeing them play live.

-Shane O’Neill is car ambassador for Lehane Motors in Cork