For those that don't know you, tell us who you are, what is your job? 

I’m a Professional Juggler; I do shows and teach Circus Skills workshops for schools and youth groups. Most of my work is through Irish.  

How did you start as a juggler? 

I learned to juggle when I was around 10 years old with three juggling balls and then when I was 25, I fell in love with it after joining the juggling society in university. 

When did you begin doing juggling shows as Gaeilge? 

I have been performing and teaching juggling since 2005. I attended a Gaelscoil so it was natural for me to work through Irish. 

You do Juggling shows with fire, is there more risk involved with that than there would be with glow equipment? 

Often, fire shows are very appealing for an audience, but I have much more of an interest in technical juggling tricks with 4 or more juggling balls. Now I am working on juggling 6 at once and juggling while balancing a stick in various ways. 

Where is the strangest or best place you have put on a show? 

I love working on islands. I have worked on 7 islands in Ireland this year, all through Irish. 

Have you any suggestions for performers on how to use Irish in front of an audience when you are not sure about their ability in the language? 

Jump in. As what I do is very physical, I can teach an entire workshop as Gaeilge and everyone can understand everything, even if they haven’t any Irish at all. 

Have you any good stories about members of the audience during one of your shows? (what do you like best about a show in front of an audience?) 

I love working with the audience and their energy so that every show and workshop is different. I can never predict what will happen in a show. The audience can contribute so much to the show, and I must be open to it. 

Are more people and organizations looking for Irish language shows within the last few years, or would you say it's similar? 

I was always busy with my work as Gaeilge. Irish is used in about 75% of the work I do. I do feel more positive about the language in the last few years. I constantly meet adults who have started learning Irish recently and are thoroughly enjoying it. 

Do you think it is important for performers to use Irish? 

I think Irish is a living language, and it is natural that all professions use Irish. It is very important as well that Irish is a normal part of life and that it is seen outside the context of education. 

What are the things you like most about your job? 

I love that every day is different and that I’m constantly facing new challenges. 

In your working life, what is the best advice you’ve received? 

In my working life, I put skills first always. I know that circus skills are entertaining and positive for everyone who takes part, and I keep the focus on that always. 

What is your favourite Irish word? 

The quick answer is “Múch” (extinguish/dampen) 

I was looking through a dictionary recently and came across “Liathróid ag rince ar mhéara”(Ball dancing on fingers) for “Liathróid ag casadh ar méar” (Ball spinning on a finger). I love this.  

Where can people get more information on you/get in contact with you? 

You can find me on my website: www.juggle.ie