Mother’s Day: Team IMAGE pay tribute to the maternal figures in their lives

An eternal confidante whose unconditional love has been a true and unyielding presence throughout our lives, no one’s got your back quite like your mammy.

Whether it’s delivering the cold hard truth even when you don’t quite want to hear it, acting as a role model of womanhood, or offering words of wisdom, encouragement and support at every turn in the road, Mother’s Day seems like an appropriate time to share a little tribute to the woman who raised us.

Suzy McMullan is a beautiful, shining force of nature. Anyone who knows her will tell you there is no one quite like her. She is the original energizer bunny, always up at the crack of dawn and always making time for everyone close to her — probably too much if I’m honest! She has had a very difficult last two years — losing both her dad, and her husband in quick succession. There has been enormous pain, and yet through it, she continues to support and love those around her. She continues to share herself so generously. She has been encircled, over this time, by an incredible close circle of friends — who are testament to her. As I talk to her each day, when we laugh and when we cry, I am so keenly aware of how lucky I am to have her. We have been each other’s rocks in very stormy water, and there is no one in the world who I would rather call my mum. Happy mother’s day Suz x

— Dominique McMullan, Editorial Director, IMAGE.ie

An ode to my mum — life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mum.

Growing up, I think my mum couldn’t quite fathom what to do with me! I have so much energy and curiosity, and back then, I wanted to experience everything all at once. I believed nothing was impossible (still do) and certainly didn’t need (nor want) much guidance or direction (what did my poor mum sign up for). God knows I tested her patience!

As an adult, however, this changed. Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mum and I realised that every now and then I needed her. And in her I found my biggest support, both cushion and rock all rolled into one. She’s a mum who walks in my shoes with me.

She cheers on my successes and is by my side through the tough times. And during those times she’s the kind of mum that will literally cancel her holiday to be there in the wings, just in case I or my siblings need her.

She shares the same positive outlook I do, which I love, and is fearless, resilient and consistent, and what tops it all is that we both enjoy the same sense of humour. With her you can turn the most banal day into a belly-aching laugh. Whether you want to rant or vent, she is your lady, and you will always walk away with sound advice, pearls of wisdom and affirmation – ready to take on the world.

As gold is tested in the fire, I truly feel so blessed and treasure the precious relationship I have with my super mum.

— Clodagh Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, IMAGE Media

I don’t think many people can say their mother is superwoman, but mine genuinely is. From bungee jumping over Victoria Falls to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, my mam set the bar for adventure very high when I was young and she’s been showing me and my four siblings how it’s done ever since. On our Donegal staycation two summers ago, she was first in line to jump off a very high pier into the sea below – doing it not once, not twice, but three times… you might call her a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

She’s also one of the most selfless people I know and would do anything for anyone, no explanation needed. She’s my confidante, my hype woman, my friend and she’s always just a phone call away should I need a rant (or most likely, a cry).

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her and I don’t say it enough, but I’m eternally grateful to have her. So, thank you for everything Leslers!

— Sarah Finnan, Acting Deputy Digital Editor, IMAGE.ie

At times, and especially on Mother’s Day, saying your mum is your best friend can feel borderline redundant. But the fact of the matter is, mine really is. Una is the kind of woman that would walk over hot coals for the people that she loves — she’s fiercely loyal, endlessly compassionate, and unafraid of being her most authentic self. Kindness shines through everything she does (disclaimer: this does not apply once road rage has been activated), and her generosity and empathy inspire me endlessly.

Throughout her life, she has been through so much and lost so many that she would be forgiven for hardening herself to the world around her, but it’s somehow had the opposite effect. There’s an indescribable comfort in knowing that no matter where I am in my life, no matter what’s happening at any given moment, my mum will be on hand to answer my call, send through recipes, and alleviate my worries. Here’s to you, Tom!

— Sarah Gill, Staff Writer, IMAGE.ie

My mum is the first person I go with good news, bad news, for advice, an honest opinion on an outfit, or just a good rant. She is the strongest, kindest and most stylish woman I know. She means the world to me & I’m so lucky to call her my mum.

— Emily Farrell, Social Media Manager, IMAGE.ie

Every time I lean over the sink and secure the plug in place before changing my earrings I think of my mum. It’s just one of the myriad tiny things she’s taught me along the way; a lesson I’ve been so grateful for on the many occasions my new earring has gone clattering down the porcelain, only to be saved by the sealed plug.

Saying excuse me before interrupting her, using bread soda (for everything!), only using my ring finger to rub around my eyes, brushing my hair from the bottom up, marking ‘my stuff’ with red nail varnish… all the countless little things I’ve picked up along the way. And, of course, her mantra “Don’t forget to breathe…” – advice my siblings and I have often rolled our eyes at over the years. But when you think about it, is there any more universally useful piece of advice?

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, or the emotion you’re battling, whether it’s anger, disappointment, confusion or shock, when you step back and take a moment to breathe deeply… in for six and out for six… you will inevitably feel just that little bit more capable of tackling the problem in front of you.

So this one’s for you mum. For all the small, but never insignificant, ways you have made me and shaped me into the person I am today.

— Lizzie Gore-Grimes, Editor-in-Chief

The woman who inspires me the most is my Mam, Triona. She is kind, selfless and so giving, particularly of her time to others. She is also one of the hardest working people I know, and her work ethic continues to inspire me. Despite losing two of the closest people to her last year, she keeps going. She is our rock and I feel very lucky to have her.

— Saoirse McCloskey, Marketing Account Executive

Feature image via @goldiehawn on Instagram.