Health Scan: Lifestyle Q&A

Sharon Shannon, musician

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I think I do. I don’t like rubbish food and I really love healthy food so that part of it is very easy.

How often do you exercise?

I have six rescue dogs so I’m out with them every chance I get. I get at least two long walks a day that would last an hour and a half. I’m a patron of Madra dog rescue in Connemara. People should realise that a pound dog is not necessarily a bold dog. I work with Animal Heaven Animal Rescue in Killarney too, they save thousands of animals every year.

Do you get your five a day?

Not every day but I’m a vegetarian so I do love fruit and vegetables. I try to stay off bread. I’d have muesli in the morning and then fruit later with yogurt. Sometimes I’m so busy with the dogs I don’t get a chance to cook and I end up not having a proper dinner.

Do you worry?

I always feel a bit stressed out when I have to leave home, worrying about the dogs and that everything will be okay. I’m away at least once a week doing gigs. It’s stressful getting everything ready on time, packing and making sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

What do you do to relax?

I just love to sit down and watch the telly; I love Family Guy. My boyfriend Jimmy comes over nearly every night so we watch telly. Or if I’m really tired, I just lie on the couch and fall asleep. I like cooking as well. And it’s very therapeutic to have the dogs, I find it so relaxing hanging out with them.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

I don’t have my act together on time when I’m leaving home. I promise myself every time I’ll get ready the night before and it always gets left until the last minute.

Sharon Shannon and her band play the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney on August 16th and August 23rd

In conversation with JOANNE HUNT