Person to Person: Cork author Muireann Ní Chíobháin says she's always had the gift of the gab

Tells us about yourself:

I’m Muireann Ní Chíobháin, a writer, and I’ve always worked with young people. In the last ten years I’ve been lucky enough to be a published author.

Nowadays, when I’m not bouncing ‘what ifs?’ and madcap ideas around story rooms or to publishers, or scribbling and doodling in my sketchbook, I’m visiting schools as a Champion of Reading with Children’s Books Ireland.

Telling stories is what I do, and I’ve always had the gift of the gab, which helps.

Where were you born?

I was born in Cork city.

Where do you live?

I live in Tramore, Co. Waterford now. Having spent a lot of my childhood in Gráig, west of Dingle by the wild Atlantic, I always knew living by the sea would be a dream come true and so, when I met a Déise man, we made the move from where we met in Dublin, to our lovely beach town, Tramore.

Family?

I am married and we have two young sons, aged five and three, who keep us both very busy.

Best friend?

I’ll have to say my husband, won’t I? Your partner is your best friend really, as you share a life together, but I am very lucky to also have a close circle of good pals who know me too well and are friends with me anyway!

Earliest childhood memory?

I remember meeting my baby sister for the first time in the Bon Secours Hospital on College Road, near where we lived. I remember trying to give her a jelly baby sweet to eat. I would have been a toddler at the time, and I remember thinking she was my real-life baby doll to play with.

Person you most admire?

I really respect and admire Sharon Horgan. I think she’s an incredible actor, writer, producer and businesswoman and has done a lot for women in the writing and screen industry.

Person who most irritates you?

Donald Trump.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I went to Iceland about 10 years ago and it was incredible. I’ve never been more aware of how alive our incredible planet is and how much we need to care for it, than when I visited Iceland where you see geysers erupting, active volcanos hissing in the distance and glaciation all around you.

Favourite TV programme?

Bad Sisters is great, Curb Your Enthusiasm has always been a favourite, and I recently watched Apple Cider Vinegar which I thought was good.

Favourite radio show?

Marty In The Morning on Lyric FM is the only way to start your day. Our kitchen is a Marty Whelan kitchen (If you know, you know). I also love listening to John Creedon in the evenings live from the RTÉ Cork studios on Radio One.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I have my own take on a guacamole dip recipe, with whipped feta, which I like to make and I love making meringues.

Favourite restaurant?

Café Paradiso in Cork. Hoping to go there soon with two good friends to celebrate some milestones together.

Last book you read?

Madame Lazare (for the second time) by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin. A few parents I know who have children in the Gaelscoil took on the challenge to read an Irish novel twice a year, and this tenderly told story is a great read. I had read it before but was just as taken with it the second time around.

Best book you read?

I can never answer this one; I can, however, tell you the book that made me want to be a writer. It was To School Through The Fields by Alice Taylor.

I read it when I was 12 and although it was not a book written for my age group, I picked it up from a shelf at home and it really spoke to me. I think it showed me the possibility of writing and reflecting on your life, and it inspired me to journal for many years which really helped me generate ideas for stories.

I wrote to Alice Taylor and met her with my family after, and she kindly encouraged me. I remember her saying that to be a good writer, you must be a reader. I’ve never forgotten that advice.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

We bought some new Kila on vinyl last week after seeing them play live in our local school as part of Gaelscoil Gigs Tramore. They had the whole hall dancing, young and old. Amazing to have a big band playing in our small town.

Favourite song?

Can I pick two? Electric Dreams by Phil Oakley and Samhradh Samhradh by The Gloaming.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would love to have seen Tina Turner perform live.

Do you have a pet?

No, but I would love to get a small, fluffy dog soon.

Morning person or night owl?

I’ve always felt most creative at night and, before I had children, I used to stay up into the early hours writing.

Now, I try and be both night owl and morning person, but I’m not sure if that’s possible.

Your proudest moment?

Hearing my children say they love books. I know that books may or may not always be such a central part of their lives, but the fact that they adore them now is so special and hearing them tell me why they like or dislike a story fills me with pride. I love hearing how their minds work.

Spendthrift or saver?

Both?

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

It would be amazing to have an arts venue in our town for gigs, plays, films, etc. Tramore is a wonderful place to live and there are lots of great places to eat.

I’d never say no to more restaurants or cafés as I love eating out.

What makes you happy?

Spending time with my children. Swimming in the sea. The first glimmer of a good idea. Nice coffee. Good food. Hugs. A lame joke.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered with a headstone that has my name spelled correctly on it. If you have a long name as Gaeilge, you’ll get where I’m coming from on this one.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I have seven million notebooks full of plans and ideas, but I’m hoping 2025 will be very fruitful and that I get to dive into completing some new book projects.

I’m looking forward to travelling to some book fairs next month, especially Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and I’m honoured to be nominated for a KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Award this year, and we have some lovely events coming up for that.