Miriam: Life, Work, Everything by Miriam O'Callaghan

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.

• Format:
  • Hardback
  • 384 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
• Imprint: Sandycove
• ISBN: 9781844886722
• Published: 30 Oct 2025
• Classifications:
  • Ireland,
  • c 1945 to c 2000 (Post-war period),
  • 21st century,
  • Autobiography: arts & entertainment,
  • Autobiography: historical, political & military,
  • Memoirs,
  • Politics & government,
  • Press & journalism
• Weight: 660g
• Dimensions: 241 x 164 x 37 (mm)