We’re used to seeing him on the telly on a Sunday night giving advice to hopeful singers but recently Bressie sat down with us for a chat about being an An Post Cycle Series ambassador and what he’s got planned for the year ahead.
Here’s what he had to say about...
The cycle series
I signed up for my first Ironman Triathlon in May so cycling has become a huge part of my life and I felt it was perfect timing. When they approached me, I thought I’d love to get involved... I think this cultural shift towards fitness in this country is something we need to embrace and really nurture. It’s really positive.
Working out
Aside from the physical side of things, there’s a huge mental element. Everyone has issues and needs to clear their head. That’s why I got involved. It’s more about the mental side of it and how it makes me feel and being in a group in that environment is healthy. An awful lot of my friends who used to spend the weekend in the pub all have bikes now. I think, since the recession, people have started looking for other lifestyle choices. That’s what seems to be happening. Don’t get me wrong, going to the pub and having a few pints is still a big part of my life but it’s not my life.
Training for the Ironman Triathlon
I’m in phase two so it’s six days a week, twice a day. The hard part isn’t the actual training, it’s the fitting in, so there’s an awful lot of 5.00am starts and also in the back of your head, you have to know that it’s not the priority. Your job is your priority. What brings in the money needs to come first. Once I’m out there running or on the bike, it’s grand.
The Voice
I am enjoying this series but I think you have to keep it fresh for yourself. A lot of people give you stick when you’re picking songs but I just say ‘guys, how many times have I sat home on a Saturday night and heard the same song?’ so I’m trying to keep it fresh for the singers too. This year I’m putting things much more in their hands. I want them to hit me with every song they want to do so that I can arrange it for them and send it back. I’m much more hands on this year and giving them much more leeway with what they want to do.
Getting back into the studio
I’m doing nothing until the Ironman is over and I’ve made the mistake before of juggling too many things. I’ve made a commitment to do this and I think my head is not in the studio or into performing at the moment. I haven’t been enjoying it massively and I’ve always said that when that happens, I’ll sit back for a couple of months until the hunger comes and then I’ll go again. The last thing I want to be is a musician going on the stage and giving half-assed performances. When I’m enjoying it, it’s my favourite place in the world.
His guest appearance in Moone Boy
It was very strange. I’ve never acted before in my life but I got a tweet off Chris O’Dowd, who I’ve never met, asking would I play a PE teacher... With him and the director and the brilliant script, I enjoyed it. I wouldn’t belittle the craft of acting though by saying I could be an actor because I think you need to learn and get experience. Certain people have it and I think it’s a serious skill. It annoys me when musicians say they are actors because they’re not. It’s a skill and I don’t have the skill yet, but maybe one day.
The 2014 An Post Cycle Series was launched by this year’s ambassador’s comedian PJ Gallagher, former Kerry football star Paul Galvin, athlete Marian Heffernan and singer Bressie. Five events will be held across the country, monthly between May and September, starting with the An Post Tour of Sligo on Sunday 4th May. Visit the website here for more information on how to sign up. 
