Kayla Walsh: 'When I was very young, I used to tell everyone I wanted to be a typewriter.'
RSVP’s Journalist and Weddings Editor on her second-hand car called Biddy, that it’s ok to make mistakes and how getting nominated for Features Writer of the Year at the National Journalism Awards in 2019 was her greatest achievement to date
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought (excluding property)?
Haha, there is really no need to exclude property. The most expensive thing I’ve bought is a second-hand car, which I have named Biddy after her previous owner. Biddy is my pride and joy.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
Probably being forced to help my dad on construction sites when I was a teenager. I’m not cut out for a life of manual labour.
When it's safe to do so, what will be the first bar you head to and the first drink you will order?
I’ll be ordering a tasty pint of cider in McGings, my favourite pub in my hometown of Westport.
When we’re finally allowed to go ‘out out’ again, I can’t wait to go to a gig in Whelan’s in Dublin and dance with my friends all night. I really miss dancing.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
My mother used to have an old typewriter that I used to love bashing away on, writing absolute nonsense.
When I was very young, I used to tell everyone I wanted to be a typewriter – by which I think I meant a writer who typed things.
I did my work experience at The Mayo News when I was in Transition Year, which is where I really fell in love with journalism.
Social media platform of choice?
Instagram, so I can look at pictures of people having fun in Australia and make myself sick with jealousy.
I don’t enjoy Twitter. Why is everyone such a big meanie?
Favourite writer?
Zadie Smith (note: write something smart about Zadie Smith here).
Most overused word or phrase
Like most millennials, I use the word “like” a lot, like. Also apparently “that’s hilarious”. Lots of things are hilarious, in fairness.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Career-wise, getting nominated for Features Writer of the Year (Popular) at the National Journalism Awards in 2019 was a huge honour. I didn’t win but it was a major confidence boost for me and great motivation to keep working hard.
Hidden talent?
I do a very good impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Who would your fantasy dinner guest be and why?
I think it would be fun to spend some time with a fierce gal like Debbie Harry and hear all about her wild life.
Name the film you’d watch again tonight?
When Harry Met Sally is my favourite movie and I’d watch it a million times over. I always bawl at the scene at the end (spoiler alert) when Harry tells Sally all the reasons why he loves her. He loves the crinkle above her nose! I can’t handle it. What a film.
Biggest life lesson to date?
That’s it’s OK to make mistakes! I’ve always had a fear of taking risks in case I fail, but I’m slowly getting better at this…I think.
What would your superpower be?
If I get to choose, then teleportation, because I love travelling and it would save so much time. If it’s like in Misfits where your superpower reflects your personality, probably the ability to…annoy people to death by singing?
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I love the aesthetic and the music of the 60s, and sometimes I think it would have been fun to hang around London or New York at that time. But then I watch Mad Men and I remember all the misogyny and racism and I come to my senses.
I think I’d just go back to 2019, before the pandemic, when I was allowed to go beyond 5km from my home and see my friends. What a time to be alive.
What is top of your bucket list?
Visiting Cuba, Morocco and Bali, but much like Paul Mescal in the Denny ad, I’d settle for Ballyhaunis at this stage.
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