Penguin Miriam: The fascinating memoir from one of Ireland's most celebrated broadcasters

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 --- 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