David Beckham's fears of an empty nest are very relatable to this Irish Mammy

Children leaving their parents is part of the natural cycle of life but it can be a difficult transition when they go, writes Arlene Harris

David Beckham with his daughter Harper at Paris Fashion Week in March. Picture: Pierre Suu/GC Images

There is something about the word lonely that really tugs at the heartstrings and in Ireland, we are more than accustomed to its reality.

Recent figures show that 20% of Irish people have reported feeling lonely, most or all of the time.