A particular fantasy about Jenny McCarthy in the film of his life keeps Ray Foley going, now that he’s given up Twitter and being “friends with Stephen Fry (obviously.)”
What is your earliest childhood memory?
The image of the earth on a television screen, which I later learned – with thanks to Reeling In The Years - they used to use on the news. Another is the Brigid’s Cross which used to feature in the RTÉ logo. It’s mad that I remember those things in particular. I also remember playing in the fields near our house when I was a toddler. I grew up in the middle of town in Ballina in Mayo, but my first few years were spent in a little cottage just outside the town and I remember chasing cattle. I must have been very young, but even then I had a naughty streak.
Who was your first pin-up?
Jenny McCarthy, Playboy centrefold, October 1993. Beautiful, blonde, and naked, Jenny was the quintissential girl-next-door. It’s sad that even though I’ve llived in several different places, I’ve never been fortunate enough to have a neighbour like her.
Which of your peers do you most admire, and why?
I admire several of them, but the one I admire the most is probably Matt Cooper. He’s really very good at what he does. With many other radio people, I might hear them and think “that’s easy, I could do that” but never with Cooper. He’s in a league of his own.
What would you be doing with your life if you hadn’t chosen this career path?
Probably a teacher. I did pretty well at school, but I was always pretty ambitious about becoming a journalist. I worked hard and got the points to come to Dublin and study journalism so my parents didn’t really stand in my way, which eventually led me to where I am now. But if I’d been less interested in pursuing what I’m doing, I think they would have advised me to become a teacher.
Can you reveal one of your guilty pleasures?
Wine. Or gin and tonic. Copious amonts of either of them. I absolutely love booze, but I do feel bad about going on the lash. I should be more sensible for the sake of my health. I also feel pretty bad about eating unhealthy foods. If we go out for dinner and a few drinks, I’ll have a bizarre inner monolgoue on a constant loop in my head, saying “you know you shouldn’t be doing this, you know you shouldn’t be doing this”.
Who would like to see cast in the movie of your life?
Jenny McCarthy, Playboy centrefold, October 1993. As the love interest obviously. I would ideally be played by myself, if Jenny could be persuaded to sign the contract.
Who are you following on Twitter?
I quit Twitter a few months ago, but I’ve kept the account just in case I feel like going back. When I was active I had a ten-person follow limit, so I was following a few of my friends along with Stephen Fry (obviously) Amanda Byram, Nick Frost and Tubs (obviously).
What’s the first thing you’ll buy when you win the Lottery?
A new house. I’d like to buy a house near to my mother and father-in-law in south Dublin, so my wife can be near her friends and family. Someday.
What would you pack for your desert island?
My iPhone and my laptop. They do have power on hypothetical desert islands these days, right? Otherwise the poxy iPhone would only last me a day. I’d need an internet connection for the laptop. My dog Izzy for company. And I suppose I’d be obliged to bring my wife Kate. She’d miss us.
What’s at the top of your Things to do Before I Die List?
I don’t really have a list of things. I suppose generally, I would like to travel more and see more of the world. But I’m not in any hurry.
Ray presents Take Me Out, Friday night, TV3 (repeated Saturday evenings) and The Ray Foley Show, 12.00 midday, Today FM, Monday to Friday
