‘For the first time since I was 18, I feel at home’ Muireann O’Connell on buying her first house

Muireann O’Connell has reached a huge milestone after buying her first home after years or trying to get on the property ladder.

The Virgin Media presenter says the move has given her a sense of belonging she hasn’t felt in years and that for the first time since leaving Limerick at 18, she feels truly at home.

Muireann admits the experience has been both exciting and daunting, from trying her hand at DIY to adjusting to the reality of having her own space.

Despite the chaos of half-finished rooms and makeshift fixes, she says the feeling of finally having her own place outweighs everything else. It’s a moment she never thought she’d get to experience.

Speaking to EVOKE ahead of the launch of Virgin Media's new show The Assembly, which she hosts, Muireann said: ‘I feel lucky, I feel privileged, I feel honoured to be able to be sitting in my own house. It’s amazing. Home has always been my parents’ house in Limerick.'

However she added: 'A few weeks ago, I was driving back from my mum’s and I said “I’m going home”- and for the first time ever, I meant my house. Before, when I went back to Dublin, I never said I was going home. Now I finally can.’

With her trademark humour, Muireann admitted that she’s also thrown herself into DIY without much of a clue. ‘I don’t have a clue in the world, so I’m lashing things up.

'You should see it. I’m acting like a transition year in woodwork class, making holes everywhere. My housemate [her affectionate nickname for her fiancé] comes home at six o’clock going, “What have you done?” and I’m like, “It’s grand!” He’s like, “No, no.”’

The practicalities of moving have brought their own challenges. ‘There’s not a rug to be seen, no furniture, I’m echoing around the place.

'We’ve only blinds in the bedroom so I’m getting changed in the hallway at 4am before work. I keep standing on nails, I’m sure I need ten tetanus shots. One day I turned around and the door was open- that’s exactly what the neighbours needed!’ she laughed.

But even with the chaos, Muireann says she’s never been happier. ‘For the first time since I was 18, I feel like I’m home. It’s something I never thought I’d get to say.’

What an amazing feeling and so deserved, Muireann!

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