Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?
Michael B. Barry. Currently, I write non-fiction books. I live in Dublin, but I was brought up in Ballydehob.
What was the most unexpected gift you’ve ever received for Christmas?
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A box of really nice, vintage wine which coincided with a significant birthday.
What is your favourite childhood memory of Christmas?
The candles in the window amidst the peace and quiet of Christmas Eve.
And another: the thrill of going out on the Wren.
Name two celebrity guests, alive or dead, that you would invite to your Christmas party, and why?
James Joyce and Oscar Wilde because it would be great to get their take on modern Ireland.
Something that’s not a Christmas tradition, but it should be...what is it?
Christmas without inane TV.
What is your favourite thing about a West Cork Christmas?
It’s not just West Cork, thankfully it’s all over: the world slows down and family becomes important, albeit briefly.
If Santa could give talents as gifts, what one would you like and why?
The ability to speak Irish fluently and truly appreciate our deep, rich language.
I was fortunate to get a solid grounding from Master Foley at Ballydehob National School, though that’s been many years since.
What was the best thing about 2025?
The best thing about 2025 was the continuing love and affection of my family.
But, to cheat a little, I also had a new book published.
And, well, it’s not exactly thrilling but very necessary: I got a new hip!
Health, wealth and wellbeing aside, what are your hopes for 2026?
In 2026, I hope to continue writing and bring out another good book.
I also hope for a just peace in Ukraine, and above all, that the Palestinian people find a path to dignity and nationhood.
