Profile: Ben Quinlan

Ben 1What do you work at? I work as a self-employed singer/songwriter/entertainer/musician
Tell us about your family? I come from a family of seven, with five siblings and I am the youngest
What schools did you attend? I attended Loreto National School and Killarney Community College, with so many memories, the good the bad and the ugly. I never liked school much but my love of music, my spirituality and the good people I met along the way got me through it
Who’s your best buddy? I have a few good buddies. They are the people who are there for me in the good and the bad times. To those lads and girls, you know who you are
Any childhood memory stand out? My most memorable childhood memory was when I arrived in RTÉ for the Late Late Toy Show. Then there were the times when there was no pressure or expectations and I was just left to enjoy what I love most and that is music. I loved crafting my own plays and inviting the neighbours around to have a laugh and an enjoyable evening
Family aside, who would be the first person you would like at your birthday party? I would love to invite Simon Cowell, Michael Bublé and Cheryl Cole and various other artists to my 21st. That is one of my dreams. I don’t know them personally but I think they’re legends. I think people get the wrong opinion of celebrities. At the end of the day they are human beings, like ourselves. I would definitely invite Emma Watson or Saoirse Ronan too. I think they are great girls and they have the looks too
International figure you most admire? It’s a tricky one but I really liked Michael Jackson as an international superstar
Who irritates you? The people that just have ignorant comments to make or those that speak behind people’s backs
Who would you like to see as Taoiseach and why? I don’t really know to be honest. I would need to look into it in more detail
Your most memorable holiday? Overlooking the Sea of Galilee in Israel. I don’t know if it could be classed as a holiday as I was doing voluntary work and spiritual worship but I felt like it was near to heaven in one sense
Your favourite place? There are so many beautiful and amazing places in the world and places I have never set eyes on
Favourite TV programme? I like the Republic of Telly and How I Met Your Mother. They are so well put together and smartly collaborated
Dinner party at home or a night in the pub? I guess it would be amazing to have a party in both
Favourite food? I really like Italian dishes. They are so good and tasty but, saying that, I still have a lot to explore, food wise, all over the world
Signature dish if cooking? I have yet to explore more to know
Favourite restaurant? None yet. I have many to get to
Family aside, your ideal four dinner guests? My four best mates. They know who they are
Wine and cheese, beer and crisps or tea and biscuits? That’s a tricky one but beer and crisps
Eggs scrambled, fried, poached, boiled or raw? Fried
Christmas morning or Mid Summer’s Day? Mid Summer’s Day
Hangover cure? Bread, on its own. And lots of water
Do you keep fit? I do. I either cycle or walk regularly, depending on what mood I’m in, but I keep fit daily
Ben 2Best book you read? The Harry Potter books by JK Rowling and if I had a second choice it would be Final Diagnosis by my cousin, Paul Walters, who’s a famous writer
Last movie you watched? The Bourne collection. They are really good. I can’t get enough of them
Last CD you bought? Donal Walsh’s charity CD in Tralee
Your favourite song? It’s a very difficult question to answer as every song is so unique in its own way. Unfortunately I cannot answer that
The actor you most admire? The actor I would most admire would be the one I get to know who is a sound person.
Do you have a pet? I have two dogs and love them to bits
Are you religious? I guess I am, in a sense
Are you political? No. I have no time for many politicians. I respect what they do but I wouldn’t be political
Morning person or night owl? I am definitely a night owl
Favourite pin-up? Jesus
Your proudest moment? I am very happy when I meet new people and develop a good friendship with them
Favourite sports star? My godfather Eoin Brosnan
What makes you happy? Doing well in music, sharing my gift, meeting new people and being with my friends. I love travelling and feeling good in myself
How would you like to be remembered? As a worldwide superstar recording artist