Contributor :  Author : Ann Reid Kelly, my Mother My mother, Ann Reid Kelly was born in Athlone, Co. Westmeath in 1929. The youngest of 9 children she married Martin Kelly and had 4 of her own. From the country, she left Ireland to train as a nurse in the UK. Once she’d finished her studies and started working, she contracted tuberculosis and had to stop working. She had to return to Ireland and her career path changed as she started working in sales. Her brother introduced her to my father, and it was love at first sight. The rest is history. My mother was ahead of her time, a giver and a doer. She inspired and touched people with her interest in everyone and everything. Our home was a gathering venue for relatives and friends. She campaigned for the local politicians and organized lots of events for the neighbourhood. An inspiring woman!  

Contributor :  Author : Lorna Mullen (née Boyle), my mother As a mother of nine, my mother had neither the time or the energy to mollycoddle or coach us. Nonetheless whenever we left the house for an important exam, date, difficult situation she would always say “Shoulders back, head up and don’t forget you’re a Mullen “!!! It was her way of saying she loved us and had confidence in us and that we were as good as anybody else. My mum really taught me to walk tall and have confidence in who I am with this phrase. In turn, I have passed it down to my own children.  

Contributor :  Author : Kevin Mullen, my Father My father was born in Clones, co. Monaghan in Sept 1934.  The youngest of 6 boys, he lost his own father at the age of 9.  He married a lovely woman, went on to have 9 children and a great career in Quinnsworth.  Mum always said that he was an easy person to love and always loved in return.  He was regularly spotted on his bike with a bunch of flowers for his beloved wife. Throughout every phase of life, Daddy always showed how lucky he felt “What luck!” became his tock phrase.  We lost him to an incredibly fast liver cancer at the age of 86, 2020. His 9 children have kept that motto, considering ourselves to be lucky to have had him so long.  As we often reminded ourselves,  “What Luck!”   

Contributor :  Author : From a good friend This is an expression from a good friend who, after losing a loved one, had to pick herself up and get on with life.  The expression means you have to look after yourself to have the energy to give to others. If you keep putting other people first, you’ll soon find that you haven’t got anything left in the tank.   Self-care is the most important!   

Contributor :  Author : Eileen Kearney, my mother You must speak up for what you want or you’ll never get anywhere in this world!  

Contributor :  Author : Eileen Kearney, my mother My mother still uses this expression.  In moments of disappointment when we didn’t get the job, or something we’d really hoped for. She cheers you on letting you know there’s something better waiting for you!