Ciara Phelan: ‘I think I was 17 before I decided that I wanted to be a journalist.’

The boss is buying you a drink, what are you having? 

My favourite cocktail has an inappropriate name so I’ll settle for a Jameson and Ginger ale, please.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 

I laugh when I think about this. I think it was my early teens when I realised I didn’t have what it takes to be a back-up dancer for a famous pop star touring the world.

Then I thought I wanted to be a member of An Garda Síochána until I fully understood what the job entailed. 

I think I was 17 before I decided that I wanted to be a journalist.  

Social media platform of choice? 

It used to be Twitter but I find it has significantly changed in the last two years and it is very negative and toxic. I like Instagram but honestly I would delete them all tomorrow morning only for I find them very useful for work purposes. 

Currently reading?

I tend to read a few books at the same time and switch between them depending on my mood.

The three books I’m reading now are;

An unwanted guest - Shari Lapena
Everything I know about love - Dolly Alderton
In bed with the Blueshirts - Shane Ross

Favourite writer?

Just the one? Marian Keyes. 

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought (excluding property)?

I love the way this prompts you not to include property, if only! 

This one is really tough. I don’t splurge that much (so I tell myself). But I’ve probably spent more money on presents for other people.

For myself, a holiday...or a handbag.  

What do you consider your greatest achievement to date? 

Getting nominated for a journalism award alongside so many talented people working in the industry. And definitely getting promoted to political correspondent a few months ago. I always wanted the gig but didn’t think it would happen so soon in my career.

Hidden talent? 

Could talk for Ireland. 

What is your guiltiest pleasure? 

Watching a marathon of reality TV such as Keeping up with the Kardashians = pure escapism. Not one bit guilty.

Name the film you’d watch again tonight? 

Pretty Woman or Coyote Ugly. I know..the latter is shocking. It’s the soundtrack. 

Biggest life lesson to date? 

Two that I often remind myself of..

Never take anything or anyone for granted
If you believe in yourself anything is possible 

What would your superpower be? 

Turn back time and make sure Covid-19 would never exist.

Invisibility & be able to read people’s minds would be the other two. 

If you could go back in time, where would you go? 

To my childhood or relive my college years - I have the best memories. 

What is the worst job you’ve done? 

In recent years I was sent to do a news report at a sewage plant last minute while I had a really bad hangover from a work party the night before. I don’t know how I got through it. 

What is top of your bucket list? 

To visit New York whenever it’s safe to do so..2025 at this rate.