With a watchful eye on Sam Maguire, Mary Coughlan reveals her Seven Deadly Sins

There’s a saying, ‘if you want something done, ask a busy woman’ and former Tanáiste Mary Coughlan absolutely epitomises this sentiment.

As Chairperson of Donegal GAA, she is in high demand, from presenting medals at club events to tackling the admin side of the role.

Mary is also involved in several community groups, and she brings her expertise to organisations such as Local Link.

For many people in south Donegal, old habits die hard and Mary Couglan is still the first person they call when they want to get something done, or are trying to get to the bottom of government plans for their area.

Fortunately, years spent at the coalface of politics have prepared her well for whatever each day holds.

Earlier this year, Mary spoke to Siobhán McNamara to share her indulgences, tell us what incurs her wrath, and to reveal her greatest pride for Donegal Life magazine's Seven Deadly Sins feature. 

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LUST: Who or what are you lusting after and why?

Sam, of course! We are preparing the cabinet for him. He is overdue a visit to Donegal!

GLUTTONY: What could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

Going back to my childhood, I used to love roast pork with apple sauce, with the crackling still on the pork. My mother used to make it, and she would do a ton of apple sauce. We had our own apples so it was delicious. Whenever I have it now, it always brings me back.

GREED: What are your favourite indulgences?

My two indulgences would be wine and wine gums. I like to ‘wine down’ with a glass of pinot griggio, and my go-to sweet treat is wine gums. We will say nothing about the calories!

SLOTH: What is your perfect downtime?

I hardly ever stop! I recall that any time there was a local election count, in order to calm down, I would clean the house. I know it is something that other people despise but it is the opposite for me.

When I really want to relax, I like to swim or walk with my dog Poppy.

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WRATH: What makes you stamp your foot?

When I have everything organised and my diary is sorted, and then it goes to pot. That can come from any angle and you have to start all over again.

ENVY: What do you not have but would really like?

A size 8 figure! But I am not prepared to put in the work for that so I suppose I don’t want it that badly. I am content with my life.

PRIDE: What are you most proud of and why?

My children, and the fact that they achieved so much themselves even though their Dad passed away and that was very difficult for them.

And I am glad I am still here - there are so many people who are not. I am here, and healthy enough to enjoy life.

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This feature appeared in Donegal Life magazine earlier this year. The current issue is in shops now, packed with a fantastic selection of local interviews, travel, food and drink, entertainment and more.