Athlone Advertiser 1/2008


Proust Questionnaire: Finbar Wright


“Ireland’s great romantic singer” will play the Dean Crowe, Athlone, on Saturday February 2.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Sitting by an open fire on a cold windy winter’s night with my wife and children around me and a good book in my lap. 


Which historical figure do you most identify with? 

I have always loved the music of Turlough O’Carolan, the wandering 17th century Irish harper and, not unlike him, I travel the highways and byways singing and enjoying the company of different people. 


Which living person do you most identify with? 

Bill Clinton – a lovable rogue who doesn’t take himself too seriously, enjoys life, but has contributed so much to the lives of other people. 


Which trait do you most deplore in yourself? 

I worry too much about stupid things.  


What is your greatest extravagance? 

Books. I buy far too many every year. I could build a house with them.  


What is your favourite journey? 

I work abroad a lot and the most glorious sight is gliding in over the west of Ireland of a fine morning and seeing the stunning landscape beneath. 


On what occasion do you lie? 

Mostly when people come up and say: “Do you know me?” I would hate to hurt their feelings if it happens that I cannot recall. 


Which living person do you most despise? 

Anyone who grows fat on the proceeds of drug pushing. 


What or who is the greatest love of your life? 

My wife Angela. 


When and where were you happiest? 

The night I first took her out to dinner. 


Which talent would you most like to have? 

Painter/artist 


What is your current state of mind?  

Is there still a sun above these grey clouds? 


What do you consider your greatest achievement?  

Reading the Gospel at the Pope’s mass in the Phoenix Park in September 1979. 


If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be? 

An oak tree, living for hundreds of years with all those birds singing and keeping me warm.  


What is your most treasured possession? 

My sense of humour – wouldn’t last a day without it.  


What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? 

From what I’ve seen in life, I would say alcohol addiction which often quietly eats away at a person’s life and dignity and the lives of their families. 


What is your favourite occupation? 

Trekking on the hills of Kerry. 


What is the quality you most like in a man? 

Honesty. 


What is the quality you most like in a woman? 

Patience. 


Who are your favourite writers? 

At the moment Sara Gruen/Water for Elephants and always the poems of Patrick Kavanagh. 


What is your motto? 

When given lemons, make lemonade.