A new film on the life of Athlone’s Mary O’Rourke will be shown on RTÉ One on Sunday, December 28.

RTÉ to air new documentary on life of Mary O'Rourke

Adrian Cusack

Published: Fri 19 Dec 2025, 5:40 PM

One of the new television programmes being shown on RTÉ over the Christmas period is a documentary looking back at the life of Mary O'Rourke.

'Mary O'Rourke: The Mammy', which is part of RTÉ's Cloch Le Carn profile series, will air for the first time on December 28 at 7.30pm on RTÉ One.

Contributors to the programme include Taoiseach Micheál Martin, former President Mary McAleese, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan.

Each offers personal reflections on the influence, character, and political legacy of the Athlone woman.

Mary's sons, Feargal and Aengus, also feature in the programme, an RTÉ spokesperson said.

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Mary O’Rourke celebrating an electoral success alongside her sons Aengus (left) and Feargal, both of whom were interviewed for an upcoming RTÉ programme about her life.

A former deputy leader of Fianna Fáil, who held several Ministerial roles and also served as leader of the Seanad, Mary O'Rourke passed away in October 2024 at the age of 87.

Earlier this year, after being proposed by local councillors, it was decided that the new cycleway bridge over the Shannon should be called the Mary O’Rourke Bridge/Droichead Mháire Uí Ruairc.

RTÉ described the upcoming programme as "a rich, warm, and definitive portrait of a woman who shaped Irish politics for generations, who championed her community with passion, and who remained grounded in family, friendship, and the people she served".

"The documentary explores her extraordinary public journey while also revealing the private woman behind the public image," the broadcaster added.

"The documentary traces her evolution from a young teacher in Athlone to a commanding national voice, highlighting the influence of her family upbringing, her unique partnership with her husband Enda, and her ability to connect with people across every walk of life."

It went on to say that the documentary also takes a look at Mary O'Rourke's life after her years as a public representative came to an end in 2011.

"The film explores Mary’s post-political life, where she became an award-winning author and a go-to media personality - unafraid to speak honestly on personal and even taboo subjects, often not sparing her children and grandchildren's blushes."

* 'Cloch Le Carn - Mary O'Rourke: The Mammy' will air on Sunday, December 28, at 7.30pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.