“All That Really Matters in Life Is…” Mairead Farrell on Triumph, Disappointment and the Love of a Family

The big day has been and gone, Friday the 22^nd has finally passed…

It was the longest, busiest, most emotional day I've experienced in a long time. Arriving to a hair salon on South William Street at 6.45am to start work - still very sleepy - started it all off. 

It was Today FM’s annual Shave or Dye in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Everything about this event is spectacular. The organisation is incredible - and its driving force is one woman, Gill Waters. 

Over the last three years this initiative has raised €4.5 million euro (not including this year!).

For one radio station and its listeners to do this? What an achievement. It's a strange set-up, with Ray broadcasting from the colourful Style Club, speaking to people who are about to have their hair dyed a crazy colour or shaved off in aid of a charity that’s close to their heart. 

We had little Galway boy, Dara, who at the age of 11 was doing it for his six-year-old sister who was very sick with cancer. Listening to these stories makes you realise that all that really matters in life is health and the love of your family. 

By 3pm I had to pull myself together and headed to RTÉ for the final dress rehearsal for the Eurosong selection that night, where I had an act and song competing.

The frequent text messages of ‘Good luck!/ ‘How are you feeling?’ etc. were mainly from my family. They were all there, sitting in the audience cheering me on. Kasey, my gorgeous girl, had the same support from her family. 

Unfortunately we came third, which is not bad at all when Kasey was only drafted in just over 2 weeks ago!  

Later that night at the after party, (gin o clock), I sat there with my family, my boyfriend’s family and Kasey’s family. 

 

Mairead's act Kasey placed third in the competition

No matter how crappy I was feeling, I couldn't help but feel very, very lucky to be surrounded by them, and their love, support and (mainly) hugs. After all the emotional and heartwarming stories from earlier on in the day - family support was one of the big factors in healing after the disappointment. 

So today - go hug your mum and dad, call your sister or brother and just chat to them, at the end of the day it means everything.

 

P.S. My family have now barred me from Eurovision :-)