"THE best thing about Sunday is that we make no plans for it. Both my wife Dorothy and I work, so it's the only day when there isn't an agenda or list of things to do.

We'll usually have been out the night before, but with two boys aged seven and eight, there's no chance of a lie-in past about 9am.

Then, it's up, out to mass and then on to the soccer sidelines to cheer our son Brian on. He's playing with a team at the moment.

We remain as a family unit for the rest of the day, perhaps visiting grandparents, whereby we'll settle into a big Sunday dinner. I utterly love roast leg of lamb but equally, if we're entertaining over the weekend, or have been out, we might eat a little lighter.

Dorothy and I were in Marlfield House recently and we both swore we should return there for lunch one Sunday, so it's certainly something I want to get around to soon.

In the afternoon, we might go for a cycle around south county Dublin, or if we have guests staying, I think it's a great time to walk around the city centre and take it all in. There's nothing better than browsing in the bookshops when they're quiet and one has a bit of time. I think Dublin is a great city to visit, it's just a pity it couldn't be cleaner.

I don't work as much over the weekend as I used to. If there's a big event on, I will pop in to The Merrion. Our Sunday brunch is very successful and a great way to entertain people. We often have visiting writers so I might dine with them, but as far as running the hotel goes, there's an excellent team in place who don't need me hanging around.

A great Sunday treat is to head up to Milltown for a round of golf with Dorothy . . . even nine holes can be good if time is tight. At the moment, we're building a new house, so most of our Sunday afternoons are spent checking that what should have been done during the week actually has been done. I also enjoy antique restoration and woodturning, so if possible I might disappear off and do some work on whatever 'project' might be in hand.

Whatever we get up to, everyone is usually back in the house by about six. I think Sunday television is innocuous by design, but I enjoy watching sport . . .especially at this time of the year with the football championships and hurling.

Or if golf is on Sky, I'll watch that. Then it's the news and a first glance through the papers.

Because I thankfully enjoy my work, I don't get 'back to school blues'. I stay chilled throughout the day, and on holidays I get reassurance from calling in and hearing all's well. If something's on my mind, I'll voicemail myself as a reminder.

As I go to bed, I'm always thankful for what we have, but perhaps more so on a Sunday . . . maybe because it's a day of religious influence.

Whatever the reason, by Sunday night I'm happy, relaxed and ready for the week ahead."

"THE best thing about Sunday is that we make no plans for it. Both my wife Dorothy and I work, so it's the only day when there isn't an agenda or list of things to do.

We'll usually have been out the night before, but with two boys aged seven and eight, there's no chance of a lie-in past about 9am.

Then, it's up, out to mass and then on to the soccer sidelines to cheer our son Brian on. He's playing with a team at the moment.

We remain as a family unit for the rest of the day, perhaps visiting grandparents, whereby we'll settle into a big Sunday dinner. I utterly love roast leg of lamb but equally, if we're entertaining over the weekend, or have been out, we might eat a little lighter.

Dorothy and I were in Marlfield House recently and we both swore we should return there for lunch one Sunday, so it's certainly something I want to get around to soon.

In the afternoon, we might go for a cycle around south county Dublin, or if we have guests staying, I think it's a great time to walk around the city centre and take it all in. There's nothing better than browsing in the bookshops when they're quiet and one has a bit of time. I think Dublin is a great city to visit, it's just a pity it couldn't be cleaner.

I don't work as much over the weekend as I used to. If there's a big event on, I will pop in to The Merrion. Our Sunday brunch is very successful and a great way to entertain people. We often have visiting writers so I might dine with them, but as far as running the hotel goes, there's an excellent team in place who don't need me hanging around.

A great Sunday treat is to head up to Milltown for a round of golf with Dorothy . . . even nine holes can be good if time is tight. At the moment, we're building a new house, so most of our Sunday afternoons are spent checking that what should have been done during the week actually has been done. I also enjoy antique restoration and woodturning, so if possible I might disappear off and do some work on whatever 'project' might be in hand.

Whatever we get up to, everyone is usually back in the house by about six. I think Sunday television is innocuous by design, but I enjoy watching sport . . .especially at this time of the year with the football championships and hurling.

Or if golf is on Sky, I'll watch that. Then it's the news and a first glance through the papers.

Because I thankfully enjoy my work, I don't get 'back to school blues'. I stay chilled throughout the day, and on holidays I get reassurance from calling in and hearing all's well. If something's on my mind, I'll voicemail myself as a reminder.

As I go to bed, I'm always thankful for what we have, but perhaps more so on a Sunday . . . maybe because it's a day of religious influence.

Whatever the reason, by Sunday night I'm happy, relaxed and ready for the week ahead."