Maria Duffy is an Irish author whose books include Any Dream Will Do, The Terrace and The Letter.
Her latest book One Wish was released in July and Maria took a few minutes out of her day to take about Barney, Chris O'Dowd and The Beatles with Her.ie.
Tell us one surprising thing about you.
I have a phobia about butter. It’s not an allergy, but I have to say in restaurants that it is because I quiver at the sight, smell and taste of it!
What is the most embarrassing thing that you've ever done?
While watching my 16yo’s football match, I answered my phone. Because I couldn’t hear, I put my head down and backed away. When I looked up, I was on another pitch, the game had stopped and all the players were staring and shouting at me.
If you could delete someone's entire existence, who would it be?
Definitely Barney the Dinosaur. My son was obsessed with him when he was a baby and we played the video tapes (I’m showing my age!) again and again. Seventeen years on and I still find myself humming ‘Do Your Ears Hang Low’ while walking around the supermarket.
Which trait do you most love and hate about yourself?
I talk a lot, which can be a good and bad thing. There’s rarely an awkward silence but the downside is I can spend hours on the phone when I should be working.
Who would be your four perfect dinner party guests?
Imelda May, Michael Mc Intyre, James Corden - and I should probably bring my husband too because Imelda May will be there.
What's the worst chat-up line that you've ever used?
I often made them up in my head but could never bring myself to use one.
What is your favourite biscuit and why?
Viscount – biscuit, chocolate and mint – the perfect combination.
Which Irish celebrity do you secretly fancy?
I kind of fell a little bit in love with Chris O’Dowd when he was in Bridesmaids. But you can’t beat Jamie Dornan for a bit of eye candy.
If you could live in any era, which one would you choose and why?
It would have to be the sixties, for the hair, the clothes, the madness, the Beatles!
Dogs or cats?
Dogs definitely. Sometimes a neighbour’s cat comes in my bedroom window and freaks me out!
If you were to take the Her.ie team for dinner, where would we go?
Becketts in Leixlip. It’s a little hidden gem.
