Michael Kelly is a freelance writer, bestselling author and broadcaster.

He is a contributor to The Irish Times, writing features on lifestyle issues, food, self-sufficiency, travel and health. 

His first book, Trading Paces - From Rat Race to Hen Run (O’Brien Press) was launched by Minister for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent T.D. in April 2008 and marked by features in The Irish Times, The Irish Independent, The Mail on Sunday and regional press. 

‘Inspiring both admiration and jealousy, the author recounts his journey with humour and candour, and provides plenty of food for thought.’ Sunday Business Post

His second book Tales from the Home Farm is a month-by-month guide to producing food in your back garden - it will be published in September 2009. 

He is a regular contributor to Irish TV and radio.  He is currently doing a weekly slot on growing your own veg on The Frugal Household on RTE Radio 1 and has previously featured on Nationwide, Today with Pat Kenny, The Tubridy Show, Mooney, The Green Light, Ireland AM (TV3) and The Last Word (Today FM). 

Michael is an informed and impassioned speaker on food issues, self-sufficiency, sustainability and growing your own.  In 2008 he founded GIY (Grow it Yourself) Ireland, a national food grower's group which is supported by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. 

During an early onset mid-life crisis in 2006, rather than buying a red sports car, Michael briefly embraced the rock n’roll lifestyle and released an album called Amongst Women (produced by Karl Odlum) which lamentably nobody bought.

Michael worked for ten years in the I.T. industry in Dublin but now lives the good life in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford with his wife and an ever-expanding coterie of farm animals.