7 things Irish mammies will say on Mother’s Day

There’s no one quite like an Irish Mammy- a woman who strikes a fine balance between overwhelming love and having us fquivering in our boots!

Our mammies have said a LOT of things to us over the years, and we think Irish mammies have a wisdom beyond compare, and unique to this little island of ours. In the lead up to Mother’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of eight things you’re guaranteed to hear if you’re lucky enough to have and Irish mammy.

RELATED: Things Irish mammies do that they’ll never admit to

1. Don’t get me anything

When our Irish mammies tell us they don’t want anything for Mother’s Day – don’t believe them! Whether they’re young, middle-aged or old, every mammy wants a little bit of recognition. We may forget to honour her most days, but she is the woman who gave birth to us, so it’s no harm to do a little something for her.

Give her a call, make her something she likes, or better still, get the kids involved. A collage of pics of nana, and drawings and little notes from the family are sure to warm her heart. A small gesture speaks a thousand words, and a thoughtful gift doesn’t have to cost a lot. So when she says don’t – do!

2. Did you hear so-and-so died?

We may not want to hear it. And we may not have known the person, and we may not really care.

But what Irish mammy is telling us is that a) she’s still got it – and is up on all the news, b) bad news travels fast, and good news takes the scenic route, and she’s going to help with that, c) she needs to tell someone about this, talking is mam’s way of TikToking. TikTalking, if you will, d) she’s wants you to know everything she knows, she is your mammy, after all! e) she might be sad or upset about it, as another from her generation has passed away. f) it’s good to talk.

Whatever the reason, swallow that sarcastic comment and suppress the eye roll. And just say: Who, mum?, feigning interest and surprise. And listen to her. You can do it.

3. Eat up, now!

Yes, you may be over 20/30/40/50 (insert your age here!). But you will always be her child, and she will always be your mother.

So when mom tells you what to do, you know it’s for your own good really, and you should listen.

Even if she hasn’t cooked for you on this occasion – because no Irish mammies should be cooking on gatherings on or around Mother’s Day! – she still has the right to tell you to eat up. Sure, if she doesn’t, who else will. Eat up now, will ya. And don’t forget your vegetables.

4. No.

It’s the most powerful word in the English language. And us mums don’t use it enough. When your mammy says no, she means no. So don’t mess with her.

A little addendum: Mammy probably had to learn the hard way too, and establishing those boundaries didn’t happen overnight.

Take her word for it – she means no! – and you’d better not ask again. Especially when you’re asking if she’ll mind the kids. Again. On Mother’s Day. Just, no.

5. Are you wearing that?

They can wear what they like. They’ve earned the right. But you will always be asked if you’re wearing – that.

You haven’t been a teenager for a very long time. Yet your mum will continue to comment on your clothes, your shoes, your hair, your handbag… anything really that dares to grace your person.

It’s Irish mammy’s way of saying she’s interested in you, how you look, the latest haircut, your most recent purchase.

And maybe there’s a little bit of mom jealousy too, as she might have wanted to be there when you bought it.

It may not always come out the right way (Are you sure that colour suits you? Isn’t that a bit small on you? Is that gap supposed to be there? Jaysus I don’t know about that now, it makes you look pale!) but it shows she cares. And on Mother’s Day, she’s allowed.

So, smile and nod, ladies, smile and nod!

6. Ask grandad

It used to be ‘Ask your father’. Now the Irish mammies have become grandparents, the focus has shifted, and your father has been renamed.

When you, or your offspring, as mammy for this, that or the other, she is going to do exactly what she did when you were small.

She will send you off into the other room, to ask the other decision maker. Because she is fed up with making decisions and she is fed of expected to having all the answers. It’s her way of saying: Leave me alone now!

So go and ask grandad. In all likelihood, he is sitting down and reading the paper anyway, or pruning some roses, or organising the shed, while Irish mammy is cooking the dinner.

Grandad might send you back in to Ask granny, but you’ll know then to say: ‘No, grandad, she asked us to ask you.’ You’re welcome.

7. Will you have a cup of tea

Even if you’re in a mad rush, and you don’t want to have a cup of tea, coffee or even just a glass of water, reconsider. What your Irish mammy is telling you is that she’d love to have an auld chat with you. Pull up a chair. Have a cup, at least one. Grab a biccie. And listen to what Mammy has to say about the neighbour’s daughter, or the price of milk.

A cup of tea is so important to Irish mammies, as it is the solution for everything. Did you stub your toe? Here, sit down and have a cup of tea. Bad day at work? Tea, to the rescue. Did your favourite guinea pig shake off its mortal coil? Tea will make everything better.

As immortalised by one of our favourites, Mrs Doyle, an Irish cup of tea is something of a tradition, and it’s something that we never, ever, really get around to saying no to. So bear in mind what mum is trying to tell you the next time you call round for a cuppa. Go on, go on. GO ON!

What things did your Irish mammies used to say to you? Let us know over on our discussion board.