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Nollaig na mBan – the day to celebrate the iconic Irish Mammy

A reflection on the many reasons to love and appreciate the Irish mother as we celebrate 'Women's Little Christmas'


Brendan O'Carroll's Mrs Brown
Brendan O'Carroll's Mrs Brown
Photo by Google Images

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We may be getting married later, and having fewer children, but the Irish blood running through our veins, remains the same.

Originally published on January 6, 2011.


Nster.com


6 Comments

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Thanks for correcting your mis-spelling of the actors name in the caption. Wonders will never cease!
Molly - you can't even manage to spell the brilliant Brendan O'Carroll's name correctly and whatever your sentimental rose-tinted view of the oIrish 'Mammy', you fail to realise that Brendans portrayal is not meant to be flattering! It is a vicious, but truthful satire on Irish family life suffering under 'Mammy' tyranny.
I never heard of this holiday but it's a great idea. My Mother had 14 children in 20 years and yet managed to milk the cows twice a day and help with other farming chores. She only attended school up until the 4th class but yet was an avid reader and knew all about world affairs - this back before there was t.v. I remember her setting the alarm for the middle of the night so she could hear a Cassius Clay (as he was known then) fight on the radio. She was an amazing woman and I'm glad to have had her as a mother. Sadly, she is no longer with us but did live to 90, so we can't complain.
This is a very well written piece. There's a poetry to the prose here. I haven't been on Irish Central for awhile, came on and saw this. Very evocative - brought back many good memories to me... Enjoyed it very much indeed! Irish Mammies are a blessing...
Fine, except for the dirty foul language.
Since 2003 there's been a gathering of women in a pub in Portland, Maine to celebrate Nollaig na mBan - always a good time. It's a great custom that should be kept up.
 




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