Sally Rooney is one of the most celebrated contemporary Irish writers, known worldwide for her sharp, intimate storytelling and hugely successful novels Conversations with Friends, Normal People, Beautiful World, Where Are You, and Intermezzo. Often described as the leading literary voice of her generation, Rooney’s work has connected deeply with readers across continents, inspiring acclaimed television adaptations and earning her major literary awards.
With millions of copies sold and a global influence that stretches beyond literature, she has become a defining author of modern young adulthood. In this article, we’ll explore her early life, family background, writing career, and the personal and social beliefs that shape her work.
Sally Rooney warns her books could vanish from UK shelves
Irish author Sally Rooney has announced that following the UK government’s 2025 ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, her books risk being pulled from sale in Britain.
In a statement to the court, Rooney said publishers and producers have been advised that paying her royalties might be il***al because she intends to donate proceeds to Palestine Action. As a result, she believes it may become “almost certain” that she cannot publish new work in the UK while the ban remains in place.
Early Life & Education, Parents
Sally Rooney was born on 20 February 1991 in Castlebar, Ireland, where she grew up and still lives today. She was raised in a supportive, creative household. Her father, Kieran Rooney, worked for Telecom Éireann, while her mother, Marie Farrell, ran an arts centre.
Sally grew up with two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. After finishing school, she moved to Dublin to study English at Trinity College Dublin, where she became a top scholar and one of Europe’s leading university debaters, winning the European Universities Debating Championships in 2013.
She later completed an MPhil in the literature of the Americas at Trinity after deciding not to finish her politics master’s program. Before becoming a full-time writer, Rooney worked in administration at a restaurant, all while developing the sharp literary voice she is now known for.
| Full Name | Sally Rooney |
| Date of Birth | 20 February 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Castlebar, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Parents | Father: Kieran Rooney
Mother: Marie Rooney |
| Partner | John Prasifka |
| Notable awards | Costa Book Awards (2018); Irish Book Awards (2018) Encore Award (2019) |
| Education | Trinity College Dublin, World Universities Debating Championship |
| Net Worth | $2–3 million |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Sally Rooney’s international success as a novelist has given her an estimated net worth of around $2–3 million, thanks to bestselling books, global translations, and major TV adaptations.
She has not publicly identified with any specific religion and is generally viewed as non-religious or private about her beliefs. Rooney is Irish and of white Irish ethnicity, a heritage that strongly influences the themes, settings, and characters in much of her writing.
Personal life, Partner & Relationships
Sally Rooney keeps her personal life fairly private, but it is known that she is married to John Prasifka, a mathematics teacher. The couple met while studying at Trinity College Dublin and have been together for many years.
They now live a quiet life in Rooney’s hometown of Castlebar, where she writes and he teaches. Their relationship is described as steady and supportive, giving Rooney the grounding she values while continuing her work as one of Ireland’s most influential contemporary authors.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
Sally Rooney has a thoughtful, understated presence that matches her quiet public persona. She stands around 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a slim build. Sally is known for her brown hair, usually worn in a simple, natural style, and her blue eyes.
Career Details
Sally Rooney began writing early, completing her first novel at 15 and publishing poems in The Stinging Fly while still in school. She wrote her debut novel, Conversations with Friends, during her postgraduate studies, finishing the draft in just three months.
After an essay about her debating career caught the attention of an agent, her manuscript was submitted to publishers and sparked a bidding war. The novel was published in 2017 to major acclaim, winning the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award.
Her second novel, Normal People (2018), became an international bestseller, winning the Irish Book Award, the Costa Novel Award, and earning praise from readers and writers worldwide. It was adapted into a highly successful BBC/Hulu series that received multiple Emmy nominations. Rooney later published Beautiful World, Where Are You in 2021, followed by Intermezzo in 2024, which won the 2025 Sky Arts Award for literature.
Alongside her novels, Rooney has written short fiction, essays, and served as editor and contributing editor of The Stinging Fly. She continues to be recognised as one of the most influential millennial authors, with her work translated into dozens of languages and adapted for television. Her writing often explores youth, intimacy, politics, and class, making her a leading contemporary literary voice in Ireland and beyond.
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