Tommy Bowe: ‘Singing The Black Velvet Band on stage after Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2009 showed I had a personality’

What’s your earliest memory?

At around age five or six, having a tantrum on holiday at airport security as I couldn’t take my toy gun through. My dad even went back and checked it in. What a pain in the arse I must have been.

When and where were you happiest?

I recently turned 40. Now, I wouldn’t say I was the happiest with that, but I celebrated by skiing with a group of mates and had a party with family the following weekend. It was a brilliant few days and I felt very happy and content spending quality time with people I love.

What keeps you awake at night?

My brain used to run wild at night but, since joining Ireland AM and having a 4am wake-up call, staying awake until after the kids go to bed is an accomplishment.

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What’s your least, and your most, attractive trait?

I can be pretty scatter-brained. Most attractive? I suppose I’m quite friendly and kind … some of the time.

What trait do you deplore most in others?

Negativity.

What’s the first thing you’d do if you were Taoiseach?

Get rid of homework (surely six hours in school is enough) and fund more after-school sports, arts and activities for kids and teenagers.

What’s your biggest insecurity?

Adapting to a new physique in life after rugby. I’ve lost a lot of weight since retiring but am trying to keep myself in shape as best I can.

Who would you most like to go for a pint with?

Michael O’Leary, the Ryanair boss. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I find him fascinating and entertaining.

Which fictional character do you most identify with?

The lads in training used to call me Zippy. Big goofy grin.

What is your most treasured possession?

Sad to say but has to be my iPhone.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Snax crisps at the petrol station.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Head up, shoulders back and smile” — a text my dad used to always send before a match. Reminds me to back myself and, if things go wrong, stand up, smile and keep going.

Do you believe in a god?

I think so. I definitely like to believe in a higher being.

What’s your favourite word?

Kids tell me it’s ‘NO!’

What’s the last TV show you binge-watched?

With my wife, it was Kin and, on my own, it was Drive to Survive on Netflix.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t worry about your exams. I flunked my A-levels. What seemed like a disaster opened a door to stay in Ulster and join the Ulster academy as a wildcard. If that hadn’t happened, I’d planned on quitting rugby for university social life. I’m a big believer in when one door closes, another opens, so push yourself to take opportunities.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Probably singing The Black Velvet Band on stage in 2009 after Ireland won the Grand Slam for the first time in 61 years. I got called up at the homecoming to sing. I was probably a little worse for wear, but once I got over the embarrassment, it turned out to be the best thing I ever did because it showed I had a personality.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever done?

Unloading pallets of frozen food in my dad’s warehouse. Neverending.

How competitive are you?

Very competitive, although since retiring from rugby, I try to avoid competition; I get pissed off when I’m not good at something.

Best memory from your rugby career?

Growing up in Monaghan, the idea of playing for Ireland seemed such a distant dream. So to walk out onto the old Lansdowne Road pitch to win my first Irish cap in 2004 and scoring a try will always be the most standout moment.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

The Black Velvet Band. As someone told me recently, it will follow me to my grave.

Tommy Bowe’s XV Kings range of clothing is available in stores nationwide