Fiachra Ó Mathuna, chief executive of the HSE Community Games
Family/personal:
Married to Kate, and we have two boys, Nicholas (three-and-a-half) and Rory (20 months).
Which living person do you most admire and why?
It has to be Nelson Mandela, because he led his nation through an incredible period of change, showing commitment, courage and humility. He remains a wonderful inspiration at 90, and still actively advocates for justice.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?
Clear priorities, realistic expectations and effective performance management.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I'm about to buy an expensive bicycle and associated kit to commute to work - it's essential, but also a little extravagant.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
I enjoy my food.
How do you relax?
Running somewhere scenic with no traffic, reading somewhere quietly with no noise, or playing with the boys with lots of noise.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Family and friends.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The chaos of managing the boys, having fun for a day at a beach or park.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Honesty, generosity, humour and passion.
What talent would you most like to have?
Music and sport.
Do you use alternative/complementary medicines or therapies?
No.
What is your earliest memory?
Falling off some form of self-propelled vehicle.
What is your most treasured possession?
My health.
What other career might you have chosen?
Overseas development work of some type.
What books or films have inspired you?
I love reading, so there are many books for many reasons. I recently finished Lance Armstrong's It's Not About the Bike, which was fascinating in terms of his cycling and the story of his treatment for and survival of cancer. Now I'm enjoying something different with Cervantes's Don Quixote.
In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell