I’m fifty three years old and feel priviliged to still be here. Far too many of my friends and family have not made it this far, so I am taking life by the balls and doing all the things I’ve always wanted to do.
Growing up in Dublin, I had a passion for writing but it’s only in the last few years that I’ve been afforded the opportunity to pursue it. I spend half my time in Prague, and half in Malahide, where I am able to develop my vocation as a writer.
In 1992, after a short stint on the Professional Squash Tour in England, I returned to Dublin, where I was a bartender for Break for The Border. That same year, I came out as homosexual. That didn’t go over too well, considering it was illegal at the time in Ireland.
Winning a green card in the lottery, I headed for San Francisco with only £300 in my pocket. My first job was in a cookie factory, then worked for Pinkerton as a security guard; had a surprise move to Las Vegas and tried my hand at private investigating, before discovering my love of squash again.
22 years later, after a career in squash coaching, work with disadvantaged youth, coaching at illustrious private clubs and universities, two marriages, five psychiatric ward vacations, one published children’s book, and five national squash titles, I moved back to Ireland.
After a short career in stand-up comedy, performing at Electric Picnic and starting my own comedy club, I continued coaching, and got certified as a personal trainer and spin instructor.
At age 48 I became the oldest female squash player to be selected on the Irish National Squash team. The same year, I won the European Masters Championships in Vienna.
I’ve been writing for three years and delighted to be represented by Nicky Lovick at WGM Talent. My memoir ‘I’m Not Bipolar, I’m Irish!’ will be finding it’s way into your homes soon! My comedy co-writer Val Troy and I are busy writing screenplays, and producing comedy shows under the name of ChatterBoxx. We are the producers of the Funny Women Ireland Chapter and have an awful lot of fun preparing for these great shows. Our podcast will be launched in early 2024.
I’ve also co-written a screenplay with David Gilna, Irish Playwright and author. Alongside my memoir, I am currently editing my first comedy novel, Bigger Plans. Thanks for popping in to check out my web-site. I hope you subscribe and receive a jingle in your box each time I write a blog. x
I’d love to hear from YOU!
Available for Public Appearances
I’d love to hear from YOU!
Have an idea for a post? Do you have any questions? What else would you like to see on this site? Email me here: orladohertywriter@gmail.com
Available for Public Appearances
I love speaking in public! (Must be the stand-up comic in me). If you’d like me to join your group for a fun and informative chat, I can talk about lots of things! Here’s a few ideas: Mental Health, Being an Athlete, Being Gay, Being Peri-menopausal, Growing up Catholic, Immigration, Conformity versus Courage. I’d be delighted to join your group for an evening. Contact me at: orladohertywriter@gmail.com
I’ve played a LOT of Squash. I like it and I’m actually pretty good at it. Here is an article about my squash exploits that was in the paper.
I was never sure if people were laughing at me or laughing with me. I devised a cunning experiment to find out which – I became a stand up comic. Unfortunately I am still none the wiser. People were laughing a lot though.
Throughout my life I have battled mental health issues. Through a combination of hard work and large chunks of luck and good humour I am still here and loving the challenges life brings to me.
