79-year-old Mary McDonnell caring for 54-year-old daughter: How long can I continue?

Mona Lynch has been a close friend of Mary McDonnell’s for nearly half a century. Currently studying an MA in creative writing at the age of 76, she writes about the life Mary has had, and what the future might hold for her and her daughter, Sinead. 

BIRTHDAYS are in the air. Mary McDonnell is 80 in June and her daughter Sinead has just turned 54.

When Sinead was 50, Mary was awarded the Cork Carer of the Year. On that day Sinead, who is mentally alert, said: “In four years’ time you will be 80 — who is going to look after me then?”