Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?
Helen Dempsey of The Abbey in Skibbereen, owner of Abbey Furniture for 35 years, and a nurse prior to that.
What was the most unexpected gift you’ve ever received for Christmas?
ADVERTISEMENT
A suede coat: I thought I was the bee’s knees!
What is your favourite childhood memory of Christmas?
I loved Christmas Eve, when the family were all at home and the youngest got to light the Christmas candle, and we got special treats.
Name two celebrity guests, alive or dead, that you would invite to your Christmas party, and why?
I love quizzes so perhaps Bradley Walsh, or one of the chasers.
And Mary Robinson, an amazing human rights advocate.
Something that’s not a Christmas tradition, but it should be - what is it?
Making Silent Night a tradition, where all the family go screen and device-free, sit by candlelight and enjoy each other’s company for an evening over the Christmas break.
What is your favourite thing about a West Cork Christmas?
It has to be the fantastic community spirit, and the amazing work done by volunteers all over West Cork to light up the towns and countryside for families to enjoy over the holidays.
If Santa could give talents as gifts, what one would you like and why?
I would love to learn to play a musical instrument because music and song brings people together and joy to all.
What was the best thing about 2025?
Achieving minor goals, and that we are alive and healthy.
Health, wealth and wellbeing aside, what are your hopes for 2026?
I hope for a year filled with laughter, family and balance.
That people can get back to basics and enjoy the simpler things in life.
