“A day in the life of” Brighid Mc Laughlin, journalist, storyteller, folk artist and cook.

Brighid Mc Laughlin is a journalist, storyteller, folk artist and cook. She writes a weekly column, ‘Brighid’s Diary’ for the Sunday independent. She published a cookbook,” Behind the half-Door, Stories of Food and Folk with her friend Kady O’ Connell. She has also written a children’s book, “Marcella Ar Saor Gra,’ published by an Gum.

I am an early bird and am usually up at 5.30 am, so I can hear the birds singing and the wind blowing around the cottage. I don’t work at this time. I just like to relax. My friend Caitriona knocks on the door every morning at 7.30, a flask of great coffee in hand and we go for a swim in Coliemore Harbour.

Q.2 What are your biggest daily challenges?
Finding stories and interesting characters to interview. I have no interest in celebrities. I just love country people who have humble backgrounds but often live extraordinary lives.

I love everything about it. I have the great privilege of peeping into peoples lives. For me, it’s a sacred thing and the craic is great.

I am known to have a fondness for a full-bodied glass of red wine, sitting by the turf fire. It doesn’t get much better than that. I also find great peace, making pastry for apple tarts and savoury pies. It’s almost meditative.

Donegal would be very high on my list. I love to stay in Mc Clory’s of Culdaff. The food is great and I am surrounded by golden beaches. Donegal is like Barbados without the sun. Very wild and dramatic.

Montserrat, in there West Indies. I lived there on and off for a year and adored the people, listening to their stories and researching their recipes.

‘Everybody knows something that you don’t.’

Q8 Advice to young entrepreneurs? Delete hierarchy and work with a team where everyone is equal. It’s a very healthy and respectful way to start a business.