20 Questions…
George Hook, Newstalk
George Hook, 74, hosts The Right Hook evening drivetime show on Newstalk and is a journalist and colourful rugby analyst. A self-confessed “old Blueshirt”, he coached London Irish, Connacht and the US national rugby union team in the 1987 Rugby World Cup. He ran his own catering company for over 20 years. In 2005, he published his autobiography, Time Added On and is currently writing an erotic novel. He’s a Gooner – an Arsenal fan.
01 When are you happiest?
Sitting in a broadcast studio
02 Apart from loved ones, what’s your most prized possessions?
My first school report which my mother had kept a secret until her death
03 Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn?
Twitter – so I can read the abuse from trolls which bothers me none
04 What’s the worst job you’re ever done?
The 25 years in my own catering business, which drove me to distraction
05 Your favourite writers?
Max Hastings, Jeffrey Archer and Wallander creator Henning Mankell
06 Last music you bought?
Elvis
07 A film you’d watch again tonight?
The Longest Day
08 What do some people think about you that isn’t true?
That I’m a male chauvinist
09 What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing – a brass band in the garden would have no effect
10 Which words do you overuse?
Extraordinary, the Lovely Ingrid, Cork
11 Your favourite ad?
Guinness Toucan from 50 or so years ago
12 Your favourite gadget?
A shoe horn
13 A brand experience that disappointed you?
Electronic voting
14 Which living person do you most admire?
Michael Parkinson
15 Most embarrassing experience?
Being caught in a rugby changing room wearing women’s panties. The 1955 Lions had worn them to avoid grass burn in South Africa. No one believed me
16 Someone or something that strikes you as beautiful?
Ronan O’Gara’s place kicking
17 In what other era would you like to have been born?
Ancient Rome – but to a wealthy family with lots of slave girls
18 Best advice you’ve heard?
My father saying “never compromise on your opinions”
19 What would be you fantasy act of heroism?
Stand under a high ball as Irish full-back in the Aviva
20 You’re on Death Row, what’s you last meal?
Corn on the cob, chicken tikka masala, eight scoops of ice cream and 10 coffees
