Elaine Crowley: My life is pretty much an open book

The charity offers various services for grieving parents and helps create a supportive community, though Crowley describes it as “a club no one wants to be in”.

• Anam Cara is holding its annual Family Remembrance Day this Sunday at the Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise, and all family members are invited to attend.

Do you have a morning routine?

I have two very separate morning routines. On the days I’m not working, I try to have no routine. When I’m working, it’s very stressful. 

I’m either up at four o’clock or five o’clock, depending on what time I start work. I take my meds, and at the moment, I’m having celery juice first thing in the morning. 

I have everything ready the night before, so I tend to get ready and run out the door and get to work as soon as possible. 

When I arrive, I grab a cup of coffee. I drink industrial amounts of coffee when I’m working at that hour. Then, I go straight into the show for three hours. I tend not to eat until after lunchtime.

What is one thing you do every day?

I write a gratitude journal daily — three little things that made me happy or made me feel positive about my life. It’s very important to programme your mind in a positive way.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I drink a lot of water. I stay hydrated all the time.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Oh, I do love cheese and wine. If I go on holidays, I come back happy. My blood is made of red wine and my body is made of cheese. I love it so much.

What keeps you awake at night?

I have terrible insomnia. My brain goes into overdrive the minute I close my eyes. I’m tired all day and I’m awake all night. 

I go down rabbit holes sometimes when I can’t sleep. Some random thing would come into my head and I have to find out about it straight away. 

That’s why I’m handy in a table quiz — I know a ridiculous amount of random information.

How do you relax?

I like making myself cosy. In my apartment, I have fluffy, furry couches and comfy tracksuits. Everything I have is fleece or warm and cosy. I might read a book. 

I might watch some crap on telly if I want to relax completely. Or I’ll FaceTime one of my sisters. I am trying to cultivate more hobbies, so I’ve gone back to the gym.

What’s your dream meal?

I was one of ten growing up, so you can imagine the portions of meat weren’t particularly generous — but all I wanted for my birthday was a steak and kidney pie in a tin. I’m sure they’re absolutely disgusting, but there is something comforting about steak and kidney pie in a tin.

What is your biggest fear?

I’m really afraid of drowning. You know when you go snorkelling, and you can see the sea below you? That terrifies me.

What is your favourite smell?

Lemongrass.

When was the last time you cried?

Yesterday. I was going through stuff and the first voice note my mother [who died in 2021] ever sent me was there. I played it, and I hadn’t heard her voice for three years, so it just made me sad.

What is your earliest memory?

I was a toddler and [recall seeing] two wooden slats in the playpen that went together at the bottom, the old-fashioned ones. I remember the slats nicked my thigh and hurt me.

What is the best health advice you’ve been given?

Movement is everything. If you sprain, strain, or hurt a part of you, movement is medicine.

What traits do you least like in others?

Stinginess, miserliness, and rudeness. Or, if someone looks down on people, like waiting staff or those in the service industry

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I can be very cranky and snappy. I don’t mean to be. It’s not nice at all.

What do you wish you knew when you were younger?

I don’t think there is any one thing that would have massively altered my life. When you’re young, you won’t listen to a word of advice.

What quote inspires you most and why?

It’s one my mother always said: “To thine own self be true.” It’s from Shakespeare.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

I love Thailand. It’s my happy place. I go there as often as I can.

Is there something nobody knows about you?

My life is pretty much an open book. I never shut up. When I was growing up, I was convinced that I’d be the youngest-ever winner of Eurovision. I never even entered.

What are your hopes for 2025?

I just want a nice, easy, stress-free year. I’d like a normal year with no ups or downs and that my family and friends will be safe and happy.