THE NO. 1 BESTSELLER

Shortlisted for Biography of the Year, Irish Book Awards 2025

‘Hugely uplifting. My mood was completely altered in a really lovely way by it. She is remarkable – really relatable and really kind. I would recommend this very much’ Marian Keyes

‘Beautiful … fascinating insights … authentic and open’ Her.ie

‘This book is great’ Patrick Kielty, The Late Late Show

‘Fast-paced and enjoyable’ Irish Times


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The fascinating new memoir from one of Ireland's most celebrated and singular broadcasters

I started writing this book as an exclusively work memoir but the work and the personal kept overlapping. I don’t know if that’s because I’m a woman or a mother or both, or none of those reasons. I just know that for my story to be authentic and truthful, I couldn’t simply focus on the work side of my life.

Miriam O'Callaghan is one of Ireland's best-known broadcasters, covering every election, referendum, major controversy and important public event for TV, and hosting an award-winning radio show. Combining career success, high-octane glamour and being a mother-of-eight makes her a truly unique figure in Irish public life.

In her absorbing memoir, Miriam shares touching stories from her personal life – from the life-changing impact of losing her beloved sister and father in a matter of months, and the end of her first marriage that same year, to the joys and challenges of bringing eight children into the world and juggling a frenetically busy life (‘give up on perfection’ is her wise advice!).

Miriam includes fascinating insights into a career that has given her a ringside seat to a changing Ireland. Like attending Bobby Sands’ wake even before she was a journalist, and life coming full circle when she championed John Hume to be declared the greatest figure in Irish history. She describes extraordinary debates, important and heart-breaking conversations with people in the eye of a media storm, and how she goes after and prepares for the big interviews – as well as what happens when things go wrong. Miriam also addresses the recent RTÉ controversies that cast a shadow over its high-profile presenters, not least herself.

Miriam is an exceptionally honest and personal memoir from one of Ireland’s most esteemed broadcasters

‘Candid and intimate’ Irish Independent

Book Information
ISBN 9781844886722
Author Miriam O'Callaghan
Format Hardback
Page Count 384
Imprint Sandycove
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 659g