Donncha O’Callaghan

Donncha O’Callaghan is a former rugby international and author. A former Munster and Ireland rugby player who writes the Disaster Dad books. This page is a short guide for parents, teachers and young readers: who they are, which of their books are in the current top 20 and where to start.

About Donncha O’Callaghan

Donncha O’Callaghan is a former Munster and Ireland rugby international who is now a radio presenter and television fitness coach.

His Disaster Dad children’s series is based on real mishaps from his own life. The first book, Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos, came out in 2024, and the second, Fun Day Fiasco, was written with Karen Owen and illustrated by Jenny Taylor. He has said he wants children to see that embarrassing moments happen and that how you handle them matters.

Donncha O’Callaghan’s books in the top 20

• Disaster Dad: Animal Antics: number 5 in the list we checked on 7 November 2026. Dad’s class trip to a wildlife park turns into chaos when he tries to get a newborn giraffe named after him.

Other well-known books and work

• Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos (2024)
• Disaster Dad: Fun Day Fiasco

Where to start

Start with the first Disaster Dad book, Chicken Chaos, then follow the family through the series.

Frequently asked questions about Donncha O’Callaghan

Who is Donncha O’Callaghan?

Donncha O’Callaghan is a former Munster and Ireland rugby international who is now a radio presenter and television fitness coach.

Which books by Donncha O’Callaghan are in the top 20?

Disaster Dad: Animal Antics (number 5). See our Top 20 children’s books for the full list.

Where should I start with Donncha O’Callaghan?

Start with the first Disaster Dad book, Chicken Chaos, then follow the family through the series.

Biographical details are drawn from publisher biographies, reference works and the author’s own site, and may have changed. The illustration is our own and is not a likeness of the author. See all the authors.

Sources: Irish Examiner interview.