Where did you learn your Irish?

I spent four months in an Cheathrú Rua with Gael Linn, at the age of ten, in 1970 and that's how I acquired the language.

Why did you choose to be a doctor?

I was inspired by my mother's stories about her life as a midwife, before she got married.

You work with histopathology, why did you choose that as a speciality?

It is a fundamental part of medical care with a strong scientific foundation behind it.

Describe a typical day for you as a doctor.

Every day is different, but basically I work at the microscope preparing reports on the patient's tissue for surgeons and oncologists. The training of young physicians and research is also an integral part of the role.

Do you take personal satisfaction from the work you are doing?

I do! Now coming out the other end, I feel that I have done something meaningful with my career.

Do you have the opportunity to practice your Irish through your working day?

I am president of Acadamh na Lianna, an organisation that promotes the Irish language in the medical system.

How do you keep your skills up to date?

I use it almost every day with my sons; I read plenty and we attend multiple places where Irish is being used, the theatre, etc.

What is your favourite fun fact?

There are more than 20 billion chickens in the world.

What is one thing you want people to know?

The importance of a positive attitude.

You are president of Acadamh na Lianna. Tell us about that.

A voluntary organisation established in 1968 and organising scientific and entertainment meetings for our members. There's been a surge in numbers lately.

What's the best advice you've received?

A senior doctor recommended pathology to me as a profession when I was young.

How do you relax after a day's work?

My interest in Irish has led to a great deal of interest in foreign languages, and I now speak five languages. I read in many languages, and I enjoy theatre and film.

What is your favourite word or phrase in Irish?

Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí / praise the youth and they will come. It was a saying my mother had.