On The Spot with… Joanne Donnelly

Kind-hearted Joanne Donnelly of Omagh is currently embarking on a life journey of self-improvement and discovery to ensure that her life is as rich as it can be – and her efforts are truly inspirational to others. Not only has the 29-year-old successfully celebrated waking up ‘hangover free’ for six months this February after wrestling with, and beating, her alcohol demons, but she has also recently chopped 20 inches of her hair off to donate it to ‘someone in need’. Brilliant, Joanne!

If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

Sneak on a plane to one of the beyond-my-budget destinations on my travel bucket list.

What is your least appealing habit?

I’m a picker. Scabs; spots; dry skin; lash extensions… I’m awful!

What is your greatest trait?

I’ve been told I’m easy to open up to as I’m very non-judgemental, I always try to see the good in people.

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

Gotta find out about the whole after-life deal.

Did you have a role model as a youth?

I really looked up to my older cousin. I thought she was so cool! I literally copied everything she had and did.

How would you describe Tyrone to someone who has never been here before?

Pretty, but wet. Plenty of good takeaways.

What are you watching on television?

Season four of ‘The Sinner’.

Tell us a song that reminds you of your childhood.

‘Blue (Da Ba Dee)’ by Eiffel. That song was the epitome of cool when you were six. Also, Willie Nelson’s ‘On The Road Again’. My dad taught me how to jive to that song.

Who is your favourite musician?

Queen! I’ll never get sick of belting out their songs. Also, I love Abba and the Bee Gees. I was definitely born in the wrong decade.

What is your favourite film?

Probably ‘Superbad’. It has me in stitches every time.

What is your favourite memory?

My dad surprising me by taking me to an early midnight screening of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. I had just turned nine, and was a massive fan of the books – but had no idea they were making a movie. Seeing my brother, Stephen, win his council election is also a pretty proud memory. Also, watching my best friend graduate. Those are my top three.

And your saddest?

I have loads… But one that always got me was having to say ‘goodbye’ to my amazing friends after working and living with them all summer in Greece. Those people really became like my second family and I miss them loads.

What makes you angry?

People that litter or vandalise thingsl animal cruelty; and social injustice. I’d love to go into a career in either of the last two.

Has there been a defining moment in your life that has got you to where you are today?

Yes. I realised that I was on a bad path, and decided to quit drinking alcohol.

The defining moment was 8/5/19 when I joined ‘One Year No Beer’.

There have been setbacks, but it has changed my life. So many positive things have come from it; I could go on about it all day. I’m finally happy, and have a healthy mind after 10 years of struggling.

What is the most embarrassing thing you have done?

A guy – who was rather attractive! – egged me on to drink neat vodka at a party. And then when he turned away, I violently projectile vomited over his back! Not my best moment.

What is your most treasured possession?

My dog, Bailey.

She’s always loved me even at times when I didn’t love myself.

Do you have a catchphrase?

Just little private joke ones with my partner.

What’s your tipple?

Tea – and I’m quite partial to an Ultra Blue Monster energy drink, as well!

Who would play you in a film of your life?

I would love to see a version of me portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange). I just think she’s amazing!

What has been your greatest achievement?

Learning to accept myself for who I am – and realising that I am good enough. It doesn’t sound like a big thing, but it really is.

What is your life’s motto?

“If you quit now, you’ll end up right where you first began. When you first began, you were desperate to be where you are right now. Keep going!”

Also “Nothing changes, if nothing changes”.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

I’ve never really thought about it. I’ll let my guests decide!