The New Year Q&A - Jack Cooney

1. What are your stand-out memories from 2021?

In no particular order: The Westmeath ladies football team winning the All Ireland. The Westmeath hurling team winning the Joe McDonagh Cup. Kelly Harrington winning the gold medal at the Olympics. She was brilliant. I also really enjoyed the Lake County Moveathon Challenge we did in March. I thought it was a really highlight from the start of the year.

2. Are there any changes in our ‘new normal’ that you feel are worth keeping?

Maintaining the work life balance. The balance that people have got from working from home during the pandemic. People have also been exercising more. It would be good to maintain that.

3. Best film or TV series you saw in 2021 – and why?

I don’t really watch a lot of TV. One of the last things that I watched and really enjoyed was The Last Dance, the series about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. I loved it. Michael Jordan is such a fascinating character. I was also intrigued by how Phil Jackson [the Chicago Bulls coach] managed to get the best out of such a diverse group of men. I have read a couple of Phil Jackson’s books and they were fascinating.

4. Where did you holiday in 2021 – and why did you choose there?

I went on holiday to County Donegal. My wife Elaine is from Kilcar – a great place and great people.

5. What hopes do you have for 2022?

My first one is that we have to learn to live with Covid. The next is have fun coaching Westmeath and number three is to stay fit and healthy.

Jack is the coach of the Westmeath senior football team.