Tuesday 29 January 2008

5 MINUTES WITH - EMMA MCDERMOTT


Emma MCDermott is the dynamic assistant manager of Inishowen Community Radio (ICR). Emma loves travelling and is just back from Los Angeles where she was volunteering at two radio stations (KCRW and The sound of young America). Since her return, Emma has been kept busy setting up the hugely successful Sports Show (3-6pm on Sundays) which gives live, up to date reports, on sports happening throughout the peninsula. In the next couple of weeks the intrepid Emma is off to India to put together a documentary about the Dalits of India (also known as untouchables), which will be funded by the Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund.

What have you been downloading on your iPod?
The last download of iTunes was some dance music called Ghetto Blaster by Armand van Helden. It’s very “get up and go!”

What book are you reading?
I have just finished reading The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It’s an American best seller about creative visualisation and the laws of attraction. I found it quite inspiring and I believe that what we believe can effect our destiny.

Have you been to the cinema recently?
When I was in L.A. I went to see Kings, which is an Irish Language film by Tom Collins of Derry, based on the lives of five Irishmen in America. It opened up my eyes to how hard a life it was for the immigrants. I also had a bit of fun watching Fred Claus. Fred is Santa’s big brother…

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I always go the horoscopes. Oh I hope that doesn’t make me sound too new agey, I know its just a bit of fun!

What is your idea of a good night out?
A few drinks with friends and maybe end up dancing.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I was on a beach with my mate in Bali and was pure white because of the lack of sun from the Irish winter. I overheard someone say, “Look, its Casper and his friend”…. I have used fake tan ever since!

What is your idea of a great meal?

I love Indian food. Good company makes it more enjoyable.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I don’t usually sit still long enough to watch the box. I do make a point of watching Shameless every Tuesday though.

How do you relax?
As I said I don’t like sitting still so I am never in the house long enough to relax. I do like walking, and visiting friends can be very therapeutic.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I always wanted to work in the media. I strayed away from my ideal by studying IT, but got back on course joining the radio station.

What is your ideal car?
A black Audi A4 convertible.

Apart from Inishowen(!) where would you like to go for your holidays?
It would have to be LA. I have always wanted to visit and when I am there I love it! I always feel fully charged when I come back. The life style and people are great.

Your idea of heaven?
Somewhere warm! After saying that I am going skiing next week!

Your idea of hell?
Somewhere where people complain all of the time and can’t drive properly.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Adam Brodey from the O.C. programme, (because of his acting talents) and Larry Mullen Junior from U2 (because he is good with the drumsticks!)

Favourite animal?
Chimpanzee- I always wanted one when I was young as I thought they were cute.

Biggest fear?
Spiders! I hate them with a passion. I was in Australia a few years ago and had to endure Huntsman spiders, they are as big as your hand and poisonous as well! My friends would chase them round the house trying to hit them with a shoe.

Biggest thrill?
It used to be roller coasters but I have found skiing. That’s far better.

The worlds most irritating invention?
The umbrella. I get fed up with being poked in the eye!

Personal philosophy?
If you want something, go for it.

Any last words?
How did you get those 120 candles on to my birthday cake?

Other stories

Related Posts with Thumbnails