Person to Person: Leigh Gillen says she loves running her own business 

Tell us about yourself;

My name is Leigh Gillen and I run my own end to end event management agency here in Cork, specialising in events, brands, and sponsorship, called Leigh Gillen Events.

I’m from Sligo originally and started my career working in the arts, in both the Sligo and Galway Arts Festivals. Whilst living in Sligo and Galway, I worked for the Saw Doctors band and in the Model Arts Centre in Sligo.

I lived and worked in and the US, but returned to Ireland to work with the Construction Industry Federation and the Institute of Directors in Ireland, until finally getting my dream job as Event Manager with Cork Chamber, where I stayed for 12 years until I established Leigh Gillen Events in 2018.

Where were you born?

I was born in Yeats Country! Otherwise known as Sligo.

Where do you live?

I live in Cobh, with a fabulous view of Spike Island, Haulbowline, and Crosshaven from my back garden

Family?

I’m lucky to have a very close family unit, amazing friends, and my wee dog Koko, who rules my life basically

Best friend?

Ah now, that’s asking for trouble.

Earliest childhood memory?

Watching my dad’s band perform

Person you most ire?

The person I’ve been most impressed with lately is Natasha O’Brien – I love her strength and she inspires me with her indomitable spirit every day.

Person who most irritates you?

All bad drivers – you know who you are (or maybe you really don’t!)

Who would you like to see as Minister for Finance, and why?

I don’t have a specific candidate in my mind, but you can only hope for someone who is plugged into the Irish people and understands the daily financial challenges of families and businesses.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

My friend’s wedding in Sicily was a pretty magical time (Happy anniversary, Sarah and Aaron!)

Favourite TV programme?

I loved Yellowstone with the fantastic scenery and all the beautiful horses (not to mention Beth Dutton’s shenanigans and copious amounts of whiskey).

Favourite radio show?

Has to be Marty In The Morning – after that, I’m ready to go back to reality

Your signature dish if cooking?

I make a mean parmigiana with baked aubergine, mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce

Favourite restaurant?

So many to choose from in Cork, but recently I have been to Iberian Way on Douglas Street a good lot and I love the easygoing, casual experience with delicious food. I also love Orso.

Last book you read?

It was a book club read called The Silent Patient, a very good thriller (thanks to whoever in the Roaring Review Book Club it was that leant it to me)

Best book you read?

Ah, that’s a tough one and also fairly impossible to identify. I love reading and have read thousands of books in my lifetime.

I will say that I appreciate a well-written book regardless of the content, so authors like Donna Tart, Margaret Atwood, Kazuo Ishiguro and Alice Walker to name a few.

Last album/CD/ you bought?

Sure, it’s all on Spotify now, but lately I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane with Red, Hot & Blue, the Cole Porter tribute, an absolute must listen if you haven’t already

Favourite song?

This is too hard really, but it’s fairly likely to be a Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald or Annie Lennox song, they are all legends!

One person you would like to see in concert?

Oh, any of the divas – Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey – the list goes on…!

Do you have a pet?

Yes, a mini pin (Miniature Pinscher) called Koko.

Morning person or night owl?

Alas, more of a morning person these days.

Your proudest moment?

I guess I’m very lucky to have had many milestone moments in my life, but getting my degree at Griffith College while working and also creating a business, was so challenging but a very proud moment when it all culminated.

I recently took over as Chair of the Marketing Institute of Ireland Cork Branch and that was a very proud moment for me too... yes, there might have been a few tears shed.

Spendthrift or saver?

Eh, both, depending on the day – but probably more of a spender!

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I would like to see a bigger variety of restaurants and cafes, some book shops, boutiques and interesting privately-owned enterprises – for anyone considering an investment in Cobh.

What makes you happy?

Cliché maybe, but I do love my work and I love running my own business.

I also love spending time with family and friends, good company, good food and plenty of laughs, I really like to live in the moment.

How would you like to be ed?

That’s a great question. I think I’d just like to be ed as a good friend, a willing collaborator, a helping hand when needed and always up for a laugh

What else are you up to at the moment?

Well, a very busy client list, running a business, networking, business development, as well as my work for the Marketing Institute keeps me pretty busy, but I always try to make time for friends and family, and, of course, Koko, the Queen of Cobh!