Rosemary McCauley
A BELLEEK widow has reached the last 15 in an All-Ireland Mum of the Year competition.
Rosemary McCauley (nee McGrath), who has been living in the Acres, Belleek for over 30 years, said “the two legs nearly left me” in shock when she was contacted by Woman’s Way to say that she had been successful in a competition where the winner will receive €5000 in vouchers.
Rosemary, who lost her own mother when she was just eighteen months old, is a well- known carer, and has entertained and mothered a few thousand children in St Davog’s Primary School where she works part-time.
And she lost her husband Vincent in 2009, but her sunny spirit has never dimmed.
Rosemary’s eldest daughter Michelle only saw the entry in the magazine on May 2, the deadline for the competition, and moved fast to get her entry in.
Michelle’s eloquent citation impressed the judges so much, that they contacted mother and daughter two weeks ago.
“It was a real shock when someone from the magazine rang to say that mum was in the last fifteen.
“They interviewed her over the phone and now she will be joining 14 others in the finals in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin on July 7.
“Last year there was a total entry of 1,200 mums, so I am delighted that my very special mother has been picked for the final 15,” said Michelle.
In her citation Michelle said: “We all love our mothers and many of us, like myself has had the wonderful opportunity to experience our mother’s love and care throughout our childhood, teenage years, 20s and 30’.
“However, what if you didn’t experience that mother’s love.
“Imagine not having your mother see you go to school and be there when you return, see you make your First Communion and Confirmation, go through the up’s and down’s of teenage years, get married and see you have your own children.
“Well my mother didn’t experience those things with her mother. Her mother died suddenly when she was only eighteen months and her father became two parents.
“She had no brothers or sisters, so now at the age of 63, she has only me and my sister as her only belongings in this world, losing her husband (my father) suddenly five years ago.
“She has exceeded the role of mother a thousand fold, from a shoulder to cry on, to a big hug after a stressful day, to fresh dinners on the table every day, to looking after children at a moment’s notice, to helping out neighbours and friends. You name it she is there”.
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