Ray D'Arcy's ‘amazing' mother to be laid to rest on Wednesday
Kildare born radio and television presenter Ray D'Arcy had a close relationship with his mother. In 2001 Mary D'Arcy even interviewed and sang with star of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan, in her kitchen in Co Kildare for her son's radio show, The Ray D'Arcy Show, which was airing on Today FM at the time.
In 2019, during an interview with the RTÉ Guide's Donal O'Donoghue, Ray, who has two children, Kate and Tom with his wife Jenny, said that having children changed his view of the world and brought him even closer to his mother.
'I didn't hug my mum until six or seven years ago,' Ray told Donal.
'But I hug her all the time now and tell her that I love her. I'd never have done that years ago but as you get older, especially when you have your own children, you see the world differently.
"Also when you have children, you want to keep the generations connected and you feel more of a pull home. You want your children to be part of this family and to know the mother that you knew.'
Describing his mother Mary, Ray added: 'She's probably referred to locally as a saint. My mum is amazing, a very thoughtful, insightful and intelligent woman. She's now in her 80s but travels to Dublin most Wednesdays to go to a movie and can chat about any current news story.'
Since news broke of Mary's passing, RIP.ie has been flooded with tribute messages remembering a lady who brought 'sunshine to everyone lucky enough to have crossed her path'.
'Aunty Mary was such a warm and welcoming presence in my life,' wrote one of hundreds of mourners paying tribute to Mary on RIP.ie. 'I have such fond memories of her open house during my visits to Kildare. She always made me feel right at home, with her kindness, her generous spirit, and her lovely homemade bread.
"She was also a truly remarkable woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.'
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"What a wonderful, strong woman Mary was,' added another mourner. 'A true lady who brought help, encouragement and sunshine to everyone lucky enough to have crossed her path.
"Condolences to all the family on your very sad loss. Thinking of all of you. Rest easy now Mary, your work is done. You will be sorely missed in Kildare Town.'
Mary's remains will repose at McWey's Funeral Home, Abbeyview in Kildare Town from 4pm on Tuesday July 22, concluding with rosary at 7pm.
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Removal by Glennon's Funeral Directors will take place on Wednesday morning, July 23, to arrive at St. Brigid's Parish Church in Kildare Town for requiem mass at 11am.
Burial will take place afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery in Kildare Town.
"Mary D'Arcy née Bonar, Campion Crescent, Kildare Town, Co Kildare,' read her death notice on RIP.ie. 'Peacefully on July 18, 2025, at Naas Hospital.
"Pre deceased by her husband Ray (Snr). Sadly missed by her loving children Joe, Jackie, Ray, Hughie, Anne, Paul, Marianne, Claire and Joan, sons and daughters in law, her 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, sister Angela, brother Bill, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.'
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