Ireland’s number one mum Esther Kelly-Keating loves a challenge but was completely gobsmacked when her daughter Charlotte nominated her for the title.

A woman who never gave up on her once wayward daughter has been named Mum of the Year.

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

IRELAND’s number one mum, Fionnuala Marston, is described as “the daughter I never had” by her mother-in-law who nominated her for the title.

GIVEN the demanding schedule she sets herself, it’s a wonder Maureen O’Connell gave herself a long enough break to make it to the finals of the Woman’s Way/John West Mum of the Year contest.