Person to Person: Health coach Lorna is busy preparing for Feel Good Health Fest

Tell us about yourself;

I’m a dedicated Health and Fitness Coach based in Clonakilty. I founded FeelGood Health and Fitness in April, 2021, driven by my ion for empowering others to live healthier lives. I hold a degree in Nutritional Science from UCC, and I spent several years as a medical sales representative and nutritional sales representative, where I gained valuable insight into health and wellness. After facing redundancy, I took the opportunity to further my expertise, expanding my knowledge in nutrition and training as a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. My mission is to help individuals feel their best through my nutrition coaching, six-week wellness programme, cook-along programmes, and wellness days.

Where were you born?

I hail from Bandon and was born in Milbrook Hospital in the town.

Where do you live?

I didn’t move too far, and have been living in Clonakilty for almost 20 years.

Family?

I have three daughters aged 12. 13 and 15

Best friend?

I am lucky to say I have lots of very good friends. My longest friend would be Sinead who I have been friends with since I was eight.

Earliest childhood memory?

I have a lot of great childhood memories but one that really stands out is our family trip to Mosney. We never had holidays so this was a BIG deal. I was about 7/8 when we went. We took no notice of the long drive in our gold Datsun car. I am one of six kids (five girls and one boy). My brother got to bring a friend, as if we weren’t squashed enough in the car. It was a really fun break. The simplicity of life then is something my kids’ generation are very removed from.

Person you most ire?

I look up to my parents and ire their strength and positivity. They are in their mid-80s and are great role models for health, retirement and a zest for life.

Person who most irritates you?

I’ve no particular one, but people playing their music or videos in public spaces without headphones irk me.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I travelled a lot before I got married. My husband and I saw several countries together and would both agree New Zealand was one of the best places we travelled to. We went here for our honeymoon and loved so much about it. Swimming with dolphins, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, whale watching, there’s so much to do and the scenery was just breathtaking.

Favourite TV programme?

I don’t watch much TV. If I am watching it, I do love The Great British Bake Off.

Favourite radio show?

I like Today FM but my car radio has a very poor aerial so I tend to listen a lot to my Spotify playlist in the car, and the radio when at home.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I love to cook and experiment in the kitchen. I don’t have a signature dish as such, my problem is trying to narrow down what to cook, but one sure thing is you would get plenty to eat, it would be colourful and extremely nutritious.

I love preparing salads with a difference and combining flavours and textures. eg, shredded sprouts with red cabbage, almonds, dates and feta, or a cauliflower rice with baked butternut squash and a miso and sesame dressing.

Depending who is coming and their dietary preferences, I would decide on the protein -salmon with a homemade pesto being my favourite or a baked chicken breast with a golden parmesan crumb. I love cooking dahls and curries on the cooler evenings.

I’ve a sweet tooth, so you will always get a dessert, most likely with chocolate.

I host several wellness retreats and the menu for the most recent one was beetroot, coconut and ginger soup, tomato and spinach dahl, and chocolate and orange mousse cake.

Favourite restaurant?

The Church Restaurant, Skibbereen. Food is always good and it’s very family-friendly too.

Last book you read?

Poor, by Katriona O’Sullivan

Best book you read?

I’m not much of a reader

Last album/CD/ you bought?

The last CD I purchased was Brian Kennedy’s The Recovery, when I saw him live on Heir Island in August, 2023.

Favourite song?

Toploader’s Dancing In The Moonlight and Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra spring to mind. But I really love music of so many genres. I grew up in a house where it was always being played. My parents had an electrical shop but also sold records back in the day and tapes and cds. So if you were to look through my music collection and Spotify play-lists, there’s a lot of variety there.

One person you’d like to see in concert?

I’d love to see Coldplay live.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, I have a Maltese Bischion dog, Toby. I love dogs and he is my second rescue dog.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning. I am full of beans first thing. I’m generally up at 6/6.30am - in the summer that could even be 5.30am. I love being first up and having the kitchen to myself. I usually start my day with some yoga or head for a run, then I’m ready for whatever the day throws at me.

Your proudest moment?

I had three very proud moments with the birth of all my three girls.

Spendthrift or saver?

A bit of both. I was a great saver when I was younger but now money seems to be gone as soon as it comes in.

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

Outdoor swimming pools. I was away in the Canaries and swimming in some fabulous outdoor saltwater pools recently. They are so doable and would increase safety for sea swimmers.

What makes you happy?

Being out in nature. I love being near the sea. So a walk on the beach, a dip or swim in the sea and I’m very happy. My body needs to be active. I’m extremely fortunate where I live as I’ve so many options for walks and swims. I’m also very happy when I’m cooking in the kitchen. I love food and experimenting with flavours.

How would you like to be ed?

I know people would probably describe me as friendly, outgoing, energetic and hard-working. I’d also like to be ed as thoughtful, positive-minded, community-spirited and fun to be around.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m immersed in preparing for the exciting events I have planned for 2025. The highlight of the year is undoubtedly the Feel Good Health Fest, on Sunday, February 2, at the Celtic Ross Hotel. This is designed to offer something for everyone, with a dynamic mix of activities like dancing, yoga, tai chi, and qigong in the morning, followed by informative nutrition talks, food demonstrations, and mindset motivation in the afternoon. I’m thrilled to have a fantastic line-up of speakers and presenters, including Oliver McCabe, Colman Power, and many others.

There are three ticket options on Eventbrite: a full-day ticket for €85 (includes lunch and a generous goody bag), a morning ticket for €40, and an afternoon ticket for €50. This is my first event of this kind, and I’m really excited to bring it to West Cork. My goal is to make this an annual event that continues to grow and inspire the community for years to come.