Here in VIP we have a serious ‘mum appreciation’! They are the rocks, the backbones, the support systems, and too often, we can forget to tell them how much we love and appreciate them. This is why Mother’s Day on March 11th is a great time to show the love. But it can also be a time tinged with sadness for those whose much-loved mums are no longer here, but remembering them and all that they did is as important as ever it was. VIP spoke to some Irish celebrities who love their wonderful mum’s, to remind them and remember them in this sweet little tribute to Irish mammies.
Miriam O’Callaghan
“My mother is simply wonderful, in every possible way. Kind, caring, loving and generous to a fault. Without a doubt, she is also the hardest working person I have ever met. When I was growing up, she worked in and out of the home, as she was a teacher, and later on, she was Principal of a very large girls school. There were five children, so it was a busy house – my mum was always busy. But she never complained. My mum is part of that generation of hard working women who rarely think of themselves. They are also stoic. I will always remember her stoicism and dignity, when my sister Anne died of cancer aged just 33, and eight weeks later my beautiful father Jerry died totally unexpectedly on his way to get Anne’s Memorial card printed. A double blow for my Mum, losing her precious daughter and husband within eight weeks. Not once did she say why me? Thank you for being such a wonderful mother, grandmother and role model Mum! I love you very much.”
Ivan Yates
“My mother, Mrs. Mary Yates, embodies for me, everything that is a lady – in the best sense of the word. This month of March is not only Mother’s Day but also her 86th birthday. Throughout her life, she has adapted to incredible change. Having been widowed since February 1979, she’s been unwavering in her loyalty, support and kindness to all her four children. Her loving encouragement for me has been a rock in my life. At pivotal points in my own life journey, she has been unswervingly supportive. As is probably the case with all mothers, I cannot properly or adequately express the debt of gratitude I owe her.”
Glenda Gilson
“My mom and I have always got on well. We always have a bit of a laugh. My mum is very much a big part of my life and always has been. I always trust her judgement completely even though when she says it initially, I mightn’t like to hear it! But I will always take what she says into account, she is my number one supporter. On Mother’s Day I’ll take her for lunch or dinner and of course spoil her.”
Vivienne Connolly
“In the last fifteen years for me, my mother and I have become really close friends. We love getting together for a glass of wine or going for dinner, and I see her in a completely different light now than I did when I was younger. My kids adore her and for me it’s her friendship and her advice. Years ago it would have been like, ‘Oh God, I can’t tell my mother that she’ll go mad,’ but now she’s always there for me no matter what, especially during my marriage break-up. She the most selfless and appreciative and loyal person I’ve ever met.”
Celia Holman Lee
“One of my fondest memories was on the weekend she passed. It was on the st Patrick’s weekend and she was poorly. However, she was more excited than I was that I was the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s day parade. I remember being in the magnificent Colin’s Barracks church in Limerick before the parade wishing that she was with me. However I had a gut feeling that she wasn’t good. When the parade was over I got a call from the nursing home that she was waiting for me. So on the 18th of March, 13 years ago she passed away in the early hours of the morning. I’m so greatful that she waited for me to get there and I was with her. That has help me cope to this day. I can’t say anymore.”
James Patrice
“Mother’s Day is always a special day in our house – my mum Veronica (aka Fron) is our Kween! This year I’ll actually be working on the day itself on Dancing With The Stars, so we’ll be sure to do something nice and glam during the week. Sure we have to spoil our mammies!”
Karen Koster
“I thought my mum was a fantastic mother but now one of my greatest joys is seeing what a brilliant Nana she is to my boys. I love how much they adore her and even when we’re just at the end of her road, there’s a chorus of “Nana’s House!” from the backseats of the car. I remember my own Nana so fondly so it’s wonderful to see the bond continue for the next generation. Plus she’s the best babysitter as our house is always immaculate when we get home!”
Suzanne Jackson
“My Mam and I have always had a great relationship. She is definitely one of my best friends. What I love most about her is what you see is what you get. She’s very understanding but at the same time very to the point and her advice is always on point. For me, my Mam has always been the one person I could turn to whenever I needed very honest and direct advice, she really is one of my biggest inspirations. Mam and Dad have always worked extremely hard and both have instilled in me a great work ethic. I think one of the greatest lessons my Mam has taught me is to be a good person but to have strict boundaries also. Never be anyone’s door mat.”