We interviewed some Irish influencers and sports stars for tips on how they are staying busy and motivated during self isolation.
Today’s interview is with Connacht Rugby player Denis Buckley. Denis is a rugby union player from Ireland. Denis started out playing rugby for his local club Creggs RFC and now currently plays for Irish provincial team Connacht in the Pro14.
We interviewed him to see if he has any motivation tips for our readers during this time.
Who are you self-isolating with?
I moved in with my friends in Dublin when the season was cancelled which was before lockdown, and then the restrictions kicked in so I ended up staying up here for the full lockdown. We have gym equipment at the house and the rugby pitch is within 2km of us so it’s handy.
What tips do you have for people to stay positive and motivated?
I suppose one thing I've done is make a daily plan and write it down, it gives more structure to your day, and it keeps me in the right mindset. There's a lot going on in the world other the past few months, so focusing on what i'm grateful for also helps me stay positive.
If there anything you have been putting off that you have finally found time for?
I suppose I've had a bit of time to do some reading that for one reason or another I haven't had time for before lockdown. So it was a good reason to catch up on some books I had been meaning to read.
What’s your favourite movie/book?
My favourite book is ‘I am Pilgrim’ and my favourite movie is ‘Catch Me If You Can’.
Have you participated in any online challenges or TikTok videos that we can check out?
No, I haven't done any TikTok videos. I did an online challenge for Red Bull - the trick shot nomination, that I did very poorly!
Any tips for working out/staying fit at home?
I think mainly just to have a plan because if you have a plan that will make you hold yourself accountable to it. Also planning your workouts at the start of the week or the start of the month will stop you procrastinating, and it will be a better program if you're not making it up as you go along each day and it's easier to follow and stay motivated.
What does playing sport mean to you?
First and foremost I really enjoy playing sport. I'm lucky that what I love to do is actually my job. I've played sport as long as I can remember so it's very important for me, and I'm definitely lucky I get to do it as my job.
What’s your favourite sporting memory?
It would have to be my debut for Connacht Rugby in 2012.
Any Netflix shows/documentaries you want to watch?
I really enjoyed The Last Dance on Netflix, I was completely addicted to it, I’ll probadly rewatch it again soon, I didn't know anything about basketball watching it initially, but it was brilliant.
What is the first thing you will do/place you will visit when the lockdown is over?
I’ll prob go home to Roscommon, I haven't been home in months, I've been stuck in Dublin since before lockdown so I haven't got a chance to go to my home house and visit my family so that's pretty high on my list of things to do!
