MARY Kennedy has revealed she believed that she’d never work with RTE again after her marriage ended.
The popular presenter was married to fellow journalist Ronan Foster from 1990 to 2005 when the pair divorced.
Mary Kennedy opened up about her ‘tough’ separation on her podcast[/caption]
The couple, who initially parted ways in 1997, had four kids under the age of thirteen at the time.
The 70-year-old told her co-host about the “shame” and “fear” she felt surrounding her initial separation.
Speaking on her podcast with former president Mary McAleese, Changing Times: The Allenwood Conversations, Mary said: “I remember when my marriage ended, which was in 1997. And that was a terrible, terrible time
“When we separated I did not want the newspapers to know and I managed to keep that the way it was for three months. I don’t know whether it was just shame or a fear of the headlines.
“I also firmly believed that I would never work again in RTÉ – imagine that in 1997. Times were different then. I thought I wouldn’t be acceptable in the way I had been up to that.”
She added: “The whole end of a marriage is sickening also. It’s like looking into a grave, but there’s no coffin, there’s no corpse. It’s a very empty feeling.
“That was something that was very scary and very frightening.”
Mary’s late mother Pauline, who passed away more than two decades ago, was a great support to during the separation.
She explained: “I can remember going out to Bewleys in town, me and Mammy, and I wasn’t wearing my wedding rings.
“She did not approve of me taking off my wedding ring because… you’re separated, but you’re not, you’re still married.
“I felt by wearing them I was a bit of a fraud.”
However, the mum-of-four’s life has not been defined by her separation, nor has her career.
TRUE LOVE
Previously speaking to The RTE Guide, Mary explained her kids are the loves of her life.
She said: “I had some regret when I was away working and not at home with the kids, but that’s just what is inside you.
“I’m hardwired with guilt…It’s not good, but if it’s part of what you are, it’s very hard to get rid of.”
She continued: “Motherhood is what defines me. The first thing I think of in the morning is my children and they are the last thing I think of at night. As long as they are OK then I will be ok.”
