In a West Cork Minute - Kellie Cahalane

Even though she dreamt of a career as an ice-skater, Kellie Cahalane’s sporting choice of basketball and the hard court hasn’t work out too bad either ... 

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Chocolate. Growing up in Castletownshend, Batt’s shop was never far away, that’s where the addiction started! Also, naps, if there was an award for napping I would more than likely win it.

What would I find in your fridge right now?

Turkey burgers and garlic dip.

Name one element your sport could/should take from another?

TMO (television match official) – I’ve been at the end of many a controversial call by referees and rarely do I come out the right side of it. It would be nice to be proven right on at least one occasion.

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

Why didn’t I do teaching in college, the holidays would be superb.

Who has been the biggest influence on your sporting career?

My two sisters, Michelle and April, the most competitive people I know. And Serena Williams for her drive, commitment and passion for winning.

Pick two celebrities to be your parents: Rodger Federer - his professional approach in everything he does is admirable and Eva Mendez because, let’s be honest, the genes would be incredible.

What do you think cats dream of?

Who knows, those freaky fur balls are God’s evil creatures.

If you could play any other sport for one day what would it be?

Ice skating, I loved Nancy Kerrigan when I was younger I always thought I would grow up to be a professional ice skater.

If you joined a circus, what would you perform?

I get stage fright so maybe I could crack the whip instead.

If you could get rid of one county in Ireland what would it be and why? Carlow ... does anybody even live there?

What would you do if you found a penguin in your freezer?

Check to see he hadn’t eaten my ice cream.

Before we let you go, teach us something that we don’t know:

Did you know sweetcorn has no nutritional value?

She’s currently living in Blackrock, working as an assistant brand manager at Musgrave Ltd and plays basketball with Fr Mathew’s – where she captained the senior women’s team to National Cup glory recently – but Kellie Cahalane has never forgotten her Castletownshend and West Cork roots. Kellie played international basketball for Ireland, as did her two older sisters, Michelle and April.