Muireann O’Connell: “Maybe I’ll let my mother and future mother-in-law organize my wedding as they seem more interested in it”

Born in Limerick, Muireann studied English, Sociology and Politics at NUI Galway before moving into radio and television. She was one of the faces of Breast Cancer Ireland’s SUBC campaign following her own health crisis in 2020.

What is your earliest memory?

Sitting on my father’s lap and driving the car. Totally convinced that I was driving the car.

When and where were you happiest?

Every time a barber doesn’t ruin me. You are among the most powerful people in the world.

What is your biggest fear?

Can not sleep. I’m a bad sleeper. It’s not properly diagnosed insomnia, but Doctor Google confirms me. I’ve tried everything. Exercise, natural pills, mindfulness, calming apps, magnesium, weighted blankets. You name it, I’ve tried. I recently did a massive decluttering and tidying up of the bedroom. I swear to god it helps.

What is your least and most attractive quality?

Needing to have an answer for most things, no matter what it is. I don’t add my cooking to anyone – it’s a kindness.

What quality do you regret most in others?

Hold the tea bag in the cup.

What is the first thing you would do if you were the Taoiseach?

Resign.

Who would you most like to have a beer with?

Anyone who is healthy and wants to go to the pub. Let’s go. Mine is a Sauvignon Blanc.

What is your most prized possession?

A piece of jewelry I took from my mother. Literally.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I don’t think there’s such a thing as guilty pleasures – as long as it’s legal. Either you enjoy something or you don’t. There shouldn’t be any blame.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Don’t think about it. Love it. Never really put it into practice.

When was the last time you cried and why?

Constant. This can be the news, an ad or a video of a cat. I need to drink about five liters of water a day to stay hydrated for all the water I lose through tears.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

I spend too much time sitting down, watching TV, or reading books to ever make a movie of my life. It would only be fiction glasses box.

do you believe in a god

I’m ambivalent. I have no idea.

what is your favourite word?

shakubuku. It’s from the movie Big point blank and Minnie Driver, who I adore, says, “It’s a quick, spiritual kick to the head that changes your reality forever.”

What’s the last TV show you binge watched?

lovesick. I binge on it at least once a year. Jonesy forever!

What was your closest exposure to the law?

Pulled over by police in Australia when I was already too late to pick up a friend arriving from Ireland. living on the edge.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

No, no, he really doesn’t like you.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To warn family and friends of trolls immediately [to] the things they say on the internet.

What was the worst job you’ve ever done?

Toilet attendant at a Limerick nightclub called the Trinity Rooms – Trooms for the natives. It was gloomy. Attempting to climb over/under toilet stalls to wake up passed out women was a particularly low point.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Greg Davis. teacher is a show that got me through lockdown. When Greg Davies says “Little Alex Horne” my knees go weak.

You are engaged. How are the wedding plans going?

Not existent. That’s the honest truth. We hardly spoke about it. It will happen one day. Maybe I’ll let my mom and future mother-in-law do it all because they’re more into it than we are.

Tell us a secret…

Capitalism in its current form doesn’t work. Not really a secret though.

What song would you like to play at your funeral?

If it’s the piece of music I listen to and love the most: the theme from the True Crime podcast File.

Muireann is the Ireland AM presenter on Virgin Media One Monday to Thursday mornings