A Question of Taste: Mick Flynn, Lord Mayor of Cork City
Mick Finn, Lord Mayor of Cork city, was born and raised on Friars Walk but has also lived intermittently in Athlone, Dublin and Sydney. He atttended Sullivan’s Quay, Deerpark CBS and UCC. Among the organisations he’s involved in include Darkness Into Light for Pieta House and St Finbarr’s GAA Club. A former journalist, he currently taking a year out as a youth officer with Cork ETB (Education and Training Board).
Best recent book you’ve read:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Best recent film:
The Lego Movie 2.
Best recent show or exhibition you’ve seen:
The Harry Clarke exhibition at the Crawford Gallery... something magical about his work.
Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately (new or old):
The work of Micheál O Suilleabháin; ‘Oíche Nollag’ and ‘Idir Eatharu’ are just genius.
Money is no object — which instrument would you buy?
A Steinway grand piano. I want to go back playing after a long hiatus.
First ever piece of music or gig that really moved you:
Seeing Frank Sinatra live in London in 1990... incredible presence and performance, even at 75 and a realisation of a life goal. I have been a big fan of Sinatra since I was 15/16 years old and have one of the largest collections in Ireland. I was fortunate to see him perform twice, in London back in 1990 and a year late at the Point Depot, Dublin. When he died in 1998, RTÉ contacted me in Sydney for a comment. His recorded songs were and are still great performances in themselves and are examples of perfect tone and diction: a storyteller in song.
Tell us about your TV viewing:
Don’t watch much TV really but do enjoy watching matches, golf, comedies and political dramas (West Wing, House of Cards)
Radio listening and/or podcasts:
I love Sunday Sport on Radio One and listen to 96fm and RedFM talkshows on weekdays.
You’re curating your dream festival — which three artists are on the bill, living or dead?
Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald.
Your best/most famous celebrity encounter:
I enjoyed interviewing Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes) and Rose Byrne prior to her Star Wars fame.
You can portal back to any period of human cultural history or music event?
Late 1880s in Ireland during time of Cultural Nationalist revolution... such a time of great excitement, hope and change in this country.
Do you have any interesting ancestors or family?
All of my family are interesting! Ger Cunningham, multiple All Ireland hurling and All Star winner, is a first cousin.
Unsung hero — individual, organisation or group you think don’t get the profile/praise they deserve:
Bro Ben Cusack, former principal of Sullivan’s Quay. Continues to provide a club for young people at Deerpark CBS, 37 years after starting it.
You are promoted to king for a day — what’s your first decree?
Housing for all.
