Health Scan: Julie Feeney, singer and composer

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
I'd say it's quite healthy. I'm a bit of a workaholic. I'd like to be getting more exercise but at the moment I'm a little bit swamped orchestrating my own music for a show with the RTÉ National Concert Orchestra, and I'm playing the Big House Festival. But I don't really drink that much, I don't smoke and I'm conscious of not eating rubbish food.


How often do you exercise?
Normally I would but in the past two months, it's not as much as I would like. I like walking. I'm a very fast walker. If I'm at home in Galway we'll go for a family walk. I love watersports too – kayaking and windsurfing, or water skiing is a good thrill.
Do you get your 5 a day?

It's something that I have to work hard at. When I'm composing or orchestrating, I actually do because I need a pick-me-up. Bananas are the easiest and I love smoothies.


Do you worry?
I'd say I'm more of a fixer than a worrier. I've a lot going on in England, America and Germany at the moment so I will get moments of worry but I generally sort things. I'm not one for leaving things on the long finger.


What do you do to relax?
I do love a good comedy. It's very important to laugh. The Comedy Channel is the best tonic ever, whether it's Only Fools and Horses or Seinfeld or stand-up comedy. A good film can transport me to another world, that's great relaxation.

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What's your unhealthiest habit?

At the Big House Festival in August I'm doing a show over three days about our relationship with the Big House in Ireland. Then I'm doing an evening of my own music with the National Concert Orchestra. Coming up to the gigs, I'll probably do a few all-nighters working. That's the unhealthiest habit I have. But I'm well able. I have crazy stamina.


Julie Feeney plays the Big House Festival at Castletown House, August 3rd-5th. See BigHouse.ie. She performs with RTÉ NSO at the National Concert Hall on Aug 9th.

Joanne Hunt

Joanne Hunt

Joanne Hunt, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about homes and property, lifestyle, and personal finance