Mum’s the word at awards launch

The search is on for Ireland’s number one mum.

The annual awards, organised by Woman’s Way and sponsored by John West, give hard-working mums a big boost.

Last year’s competition attracted more than 1,000 entries, with the top title awarded to a Donegal mother of two teenagers and grandmother of one.

Fionnuala Marston, from Muff in Inishowen, who left school at 14 to work in a factory, attained a degree in business while working full-time as a primary school secretary.

The marvellous mother is also a football coach, despite suffering from a severe form of epilepsy she developed in her late teens.

Woman’s Way editor Áine Toner said the fact that Fionnuala would not let her circumstances dictate the rest of her life was inspirational.

Woman’s Way publisher Norah Casey said entries for the competition continued to increase each year.

“The nominations are a testament to the bravery, courage, compassion, dedication and unrelenting commitment Irish mums have to their families and we feel these special women should be recognised,” she said.

RTÉ presenter and mother of four, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, was awarded Celebrity Mum of the Year by readers last year.

Bláthnaid said that being a mother was the most important role in her life. “It’s probably the only thing in my life that I would give my heart and soul to and not question it,” she said.

Three mums will be selected from each province, with an additional three from Dublin. The 15 finalists will be invited to attend a gala luncheon in Dublin on June 11.

lApplication forms are available each week in Woman’s Way magazine until April 20. Entries can also be made online at womanswaylive.com/motya and email entries can be sent to [e-mail].