Paul Dean, managing director, Umbro Ireland
Your first machine? A Yassi 125 Twin.
What attracted you to motorbikes? Practical reasons . . . to get my brother Alan and myself to school, training and matches.
How much did your first bike cost? Chores at home and good behaviour.
Your current machine? The "Monster S4" (916) Ducati. Can't tell you what it cost - my Darling reads this paper!
What got you interested in the Ducati? Seeing Karl Fogerty murder his 916 on his way to his first world superbike title. I couldn't believe how the Duke performed, he was so aggressive, almost disrespectful, and she never "high sided him".
They have a reputation of being slightly temperamental - do you agree? I never found my first Duke, a 916 BP, temperamental although others have. I'd consider myself a good owner, having her serviced on time and looking seriously clean.
What do you use your bike for? Dry miles only.
How much do you spend on gear? You can't spend enough. I'm looking forward to my new Lid - this helmet has rear vision built into the casing. I've tried the prototype - can't wait for the real thing.
Did you always bike to matches? Not really . . . in those amateur rugby days we tended to need a lot of re-hydration after matches.
Ever bring it to foreign games? Some years ago Andy Ripley, who played for England, arrived in Dublin on two wheels the day before the Ireland-England match from his holiday on the Continent. He was covered in flies and very dirty when he pulled up outside the Shelbourne Hotel to be met by Jimmy, the impeccably dressed head-porter. "Sir! You can't park here," he called out. Andy tossed him his keys and said: "I'm staying here, my good man. You park it."
Your next bike? I was heart-broken last summer after I traded my pristine 916 bp for the Monster. Even though they named a TV programme (Sex in the City) after this bike, it's nothing like the bp. For commuting, the Monster is the business, which was my practicable reason to change. She is more comfortable, manoeuvrable, more power than you'll ever need and she doesn't hurt my wrists and elbows. The guys at Bologna have addressed some of the handling difficulties for me and produced, for my money, "the bike of all bikes" in the 999. Check it out on Ducati.com. So, my next bike will be the 999!
What's been your longest journey on the bike? I went to Limerick two years ago. I nearly got there before I left.
What would be your dream bike - and road trip? I'm not into cruising. Harleys and choppers are for old men with beards. Give me the 999 and a spin on the TT course in the Isle of Man - and pray I don't fall off.
Ever had an accident? Everybody falls off their bike. I fell off at the KCR and couldn't play rugby for three months - just a hiccup in my rugby career.
Is there any biking heritage in your family? My Dad had a "James" 197 cc. Remember that? I don't have a sister but my brother Alan and I are bike enthusiasts but he has two hairdryers - Vespas px 200 & 180.
What do your business associates think of you using a bike? They think I'm sad and mad but, frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.