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The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy
Alice Leahy
Season 4, Ep. 6
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Alice Leahy is co-founder and Director of Services at the Alice Leahy Trust, supporting people who are homeless. A former nurse, writer, and Human Rights Commissioner, she helped establish Ireland’s first intensive care unit. Through her work, books, and documentaries, Alice has been a leading advocate for those on the margins of society.
Brought to you by Ballymore.
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10. Conor Murray
44:30||Season 4, Ep. 10Conor Murray is a recently retired international rugby player. For more than a decade, he wore the No.9 jersey for Munster, Ireland, and the British & Irish Lions. His career includes 5 Six Nations titles, 2 Grand Slams, 125 caps for Ireland, and three tours with the Lions. His new memoir, Cloud Nine: My Life in Rugby, is available now.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy
Ryan's Favourite Books of 2025
01:02:26|In this live special, Ryan shares his favourite fiction and non-fiction books and authors of 2025.Fiction:The Book of Guilt by Catherine ChidgeyThe names by Florence KnappFair Play by Louise HegartyNesting by Roisín O’Donnell,Wellness by Nathan HillMarble Hall Murders by Anthony HorowitzThe Wildelings by Lisa HardingThe Elements by John BoyneIt Should Have Been You by Andrea MaraThe Black Wolf by Louise PennyThe Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O’ Connor In Memoriam by Alice WinnOne of Us by Elizabeth DayThe Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer by Ragnar JónassonNon-Fiction:The Zorg by Siddharth KaraThe Einstein Vendetta by Thomas HardingRemnants of Our Past by Deirdre O’NeillWings by Paul McCartneyThe Walking Effect by Karl HenryThree Castles Burning: A History of Dublin in Twelve Streets by Donal Fallon2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac ArnsdorfBrought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy
9. Anna Haugh
44:53||Season 4, Ep. 9Anna Haugh is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and television presenter. She’s the founder of Myrtle Restaurant in London, which celebrates modern Irish cuisine with a contemporary twist. In September 2025, Anna was announced as a new judge on the BBC One show MasterChef.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy
8. Miriam O’Callaghan
47:26||Season 4, Ep. 8Miriam O’Callaghan has been a leading voice in Irish broadcasting for over three decades, renowned for her sharp journalism, warmth, and integrity. A qualified solicitor before turning to the media, she has covered major national and international stories, earning multiple awards and honours, including honorary doctorates. Her new memoir, Miriam: Life, Work, Everything, is available now.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy
7. Jeffrey Archer
40:12||Season 4, Ep. 7Jeffrey Archer is one of the most widely read and enduring storytellers in the world. His novels and short stories have sold over 300 million copies, being published in 119 countries and translated into 47 languages. A former politician and lifelong philanthropist, he has raised more than £50 million for various charities. His latest novel, End Game, marks the thrilling finale of his acclaimed William Warwick series.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy
5. Hugh Bonneville
42:40||Season 4, Ep. 5Hugh Bonneville is an actor and author, best known to millions worldwide as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey and Henry Brown in the beloved Paddington films. His new children’s novel, Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room, has just been published.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy
4. Emma Doran
39:56||Season 4, Ep. 4Emma Doran is a comedian, podcaster, writer, and social media sensation. She’s the author of the critically acclaimed memoir Mad Isn’t It? and she's currently touring Ireland and the UK with her biggest show to date, Immaculate.Contains strong language and adult themes.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy
3. Colm Tóibín
43:11||Season 4, Ep. 3Colm Tóibín is one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers. He’s the author of eleven novels, including Brooklyn, The Master, and The Magician. Known for his quiet emotion and vivid storytelling, Tóibín is also a playwright, essayist, and recent Laureate for Irish Fiction. His new release, Ship in Full Sail, a rich collection of essays and lectures, is available now.Brought to you by Ballymore.Follow the show:Instagram: @bookshelfpodcastTikTok: @bookshelfpodcastFollow Ryan:Instagram: @instatubridy