Mary Kennedy has revealed she’s counting down the moments until she can be reunited with her family – as she’s missing her children, and grandchildren, dearly.
The broadcaster has four children, Eva, Tom, Eoin and Lucy, and her eldest daughter recently added to their brood.
Her daughter Eva is mum to two-year-old Paddy and welcomed baby Holly to the world in November, but as they live in Limerick, Mary hasn’t seen them in a number of months, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
She admits it’s been tough being away with them and can’t wait to spend some time quality time with the kids once lockdown eases.
Speaking to VIP Magazine, Mary said, “Eva had Holly at the end of November, she’s three months old now. I haven’t seem her since Christmas. I’m really looking forward to seeing her and her brother.”
While she hasn’t seen them in person, Mary has been sure to video call her kids and grandkids on a regular basis for catch-ups – and while it isn’t the same as a snuggle, will take anything she can get.
“Video calls on WhatsApp are wonderful. Paddy, who will be two in April, is as comfortable talking to people on a screen as anyone else. He doesn’t know any different,” she said.
“You make the best out of what’s presented to you. I’m just very grateful that they’re all happy and healthy. There will be wonderful reunions and parties when we’re allowed.”
During lockdown, Mary has been been focusing on her health – both mental and physical.
“I’ve been getting out for my 5km jogs five times a week and I also do an online exercise class,” she said.
“Like everyone else, I found the lockdown hard. It’s been hard to be restricted and away from loved ones. The thought that once we’re allowed out that I might be further restricted by falling or getting a fracture, I would hate it.”
For this reason, Mary teamed up with The Irish Osteoporosis Society to urge women to learn more about the importance of bone health.
“I want to be free, independent and mobile. I want to be healthy and I want that for every other woman as well,” she said.
“It’s something we have control over and that’s why people are being encouraged to go to the website and take the risk assessment tests and see where they stand before doing something about it. ”
To learn more about your bone health visit www.irishosteoporosis.ie.