Cork women share the life lessons they’ve learned from their mums

Deirdre Breen, Visual Artist/Designer

The best piece of advice I got from my mum, Carol Breen, was: “It costs nothing to be kind.”

My mum has always noticed the quieter presence in a room. Before I ever had language for things like inclusion or marginalisation, I had her example. She would always make a point of talking to the quiet one at the table, the person serving the food or the shy child, never in a performative way but in a quiet and genuine way, and always with a deep respect for people.

She’s kind and compassionate to her core. It’s amazing how that has filtered into my life and my brother’s too, shaping how we move through the world. I think it has made me more open to people, whoever they are.

Rachel McCarthy, Florist at Juniper Rose Flower Studio

My mum, Ina McCarthy Pett’s, advice was simple: Wear SPF, avoid cheap perfume and always invest in a good bra!

I was just 13 when she took me for a proper bra fitting and handed me factor 50 and told me to wear it every day without fail. The daily habit has paid off - at nearly 40 I’m grateful for the fewer lines.

A good bra improves your posture and confidence. When you are supported properly you stand taller and your clothes fit better. Don’t underestimate the power of a good bra.

Looking back, it wasn’t about vanity, it’s about self care, having high standards for yourself, and making daily habits that stand to you for the rest of your life.

Bhagya Barrett, Co-founder & Business Director, Rebel City Distillery

My Amma, Vimala Rajeev, has shaped me into who I am today.

We did not grow up with generational wealth, but she never let that limit our dreams. Even with limited resources at home, she ensured my brother and I received the best education possible. She believed that even without inherited wealth, education could create opportunities, and she invested in us wholeheartedly.

Because of her sacrifices, I studied engineering, completed a Masters in Business, built my own business in a different part of the world, and travelled to more countries than I ever imagined. Education opened new worlds, expanded my thinking, strengthened my voice, and placed me in rooms and countries I once only dreamed of.

She also taught me to treat everyone with respect, not just those who can elevate you. How you show up for people, how you honour their dignity, and how you remain humble in every interaction is what defines you. Character will always take you further than connections, status, or privilege ever could.

Everything I am building today started with her belief in me, her sacrifices, and her unwavering support. Her lessons are the foundation of who I am, guiding every choice I make, every step I take, and every person I meet.

Laura O’ Mahony, Comedian and co-host of the Red Raw Podcast

The best piece of advice I received from my mother, Cora Daly, is: “Everyone’s sore arse is their own sore arse.” This is my mother’s unique way of saying that we are all dealing with something, every single person in the world. Whatever we are dealing with seems huge to us, and this hugeness may be what leads us to behave in a certain way.

I think what she means is, do not suffer fools but be aware that everyone is dealing with their unique set of problems so they are meeting you with that baggage, and really that baggage reflects nothing on you.

Meet people as they are, but realise that their world view or attitude is not your responsibility. A wise, kind woman with a ferocious edge... like myself!

Cathy Cullen, communications consultant and host of The Cinemile podcast.

My Mom, Linda O’Flaherty, definitely leads by example more than words. She’s a brilliantly creative person, who can always find a solution to any problem, no matter the obstacle. She’s an amazingly supportive mother and grandmother - flying across Europe to be there for the births of all of her grandchildren.

I’ll never forget the time spent with her when I lived in the UK after I had my babies and how much she supported me and set me up for becoming a Mom. When moving back to Cork, I couldn’t have done it without her on the ground here - house-hunting from abroad is as hard as you’d expect!

Her love of art, singing, and performing meant our home was always full of creativity.

She’s had many careers, and in her 60s has found her calling as an actress - performing in films, on TV, in the theatre, and even as a pantomime star. Her willingness to take on new challenges and never stay still is incredible, and a huge influence in giving me the confidence to bet on myself and become self-employed two years ago.

Eman Aburabi, co-owner of Izz Cafe

My mother’s name is Fatima. Unfortunately, she passed away ten years ago. When I think about the best advice my mother gave me, it’s hard to choose just one. Palestinian mothers carry entire worlds in their words.

She used to say, “Stand tall, even when life tries to bend you.” She believed a Palestinian woman’s strength is quiet but unbreakable like the olive tree.

She also taught me, “If you only have a little, share it beautifully.” Generosity, in her eyes, was never about abundance. It was about dignity. Even in difficult times, our table was always full not because we had plenty, but because we gave with heart.

Another thing she would always remind me was: “Good things take time whether it’s bread, children, or dreams.” From her, I learned that patience is an act of love.

But perhaps the deepest lesson was this: hope is a daily decision. Even when life felt heavy, she would cook, laugh, and welcome people as if joy itself was an act of resistance.

Today, I carry her wisdom into my life and my kitchen, trying to create warmth, belonging, and generosity in everything I do.