As part of our MHC Intern Life series, Niamh Cotter tells us about her experience in MHC, studying in Montréal and being a member of the Cork senior ladies football team.
What inspired you to venture on this career path/why did you choose law?
I always loved English in school and in transition year I participated in a few debating and public speaking events which sparked a passion for research based knowledge and for reasoned argument. This ultimately led to my intrigue in law and I opted for Law (International) in University College Cork.
Where did you study and why?
I decided to study Law (International) in University College Cork. Overall, studying at UCC seemed to be the right fit for me. Being from Glengarriff in West Cork, studying in UCC was never too far from home. The modules on offer really intrigued me and the real selling point was being able study at an international institution for year 3. I am very sporty and play football and basketball at a high level. Studying in Cork and being in close proximity to all the necessary training facilities ensured I could continue playing both.
Best thing about MHC?
The people! Everyone in MHC is so welcoming and friendly right through from the trainees to the partners. There is a real sense of being part of a team here. All the team are very approachable and there is always someone on hand to help me with my numerous questions!
What sports/hobbies/pastimes do you enjoy?
I am majorly involved in sport. When I was younger I was involved in a vast number of sports but ladies football is my main sport at the moment, where I’m a member of the Cork senior ladies football panel. While this is a very big commitment and at times it can be difficult to balance it with academics, it is one I really enjoy and am very happy to make. I also play a lot of basketball, especially during the winter months. I think sport and exercise are incredibly important and there are so many studies now out there to show a direct correlation between exercise and academic and work performance.
Favourite quote?
“When they go low, we go high” – Michelle Obama.
What's your idea of a perfect holiday/favourite place you've ever visited?
I spent third year of my undergraduate studying at Université de Montréal in Montréal, Canada. I fell in love with Montréal – it is such a vibrant city and there is always something happening. The city itself separates into an old, European style quarter and a modern, North American city centre quarter. The winters are notoriously cold (reaching as low as -40 degrees), but I learned to embrace it and went skiing, snowboarding, ice skating almost every weekend! Montréal is ideally located in terms of travelling and I managed to cover a good stretch of the American East coast as well as visiting the nearby cities of Ottowa, Québec city, Toronto. Just before I returned home, myself and a few friends headed to the rockies in Alberta where we visited Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. The scenery is literally breath-taking and at times otherworldly! It was just the most incredible year overall!
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