'It's devastating' - Irish mum's tears over abduction of her two children
It is now three years since Mandy Kelly spoke to her beloved boys Zayn, seven, and four-year-old Kareem since they were taken by their father while on a family holiday in Cairo.
There is no sign of her ordeal ending with the continued failure of the Egyptian authorities to locate her former husband and her kids even though they were given an address where they were staying.
A court in Cairo also ruled she should have custody but her mother-in-law is appealing that decision and the case won't be heard until October.
Mandy's misery was compounded when Zayn celebrated his birthday and she couldn't even speak to him.
The Dundalk, Co Louth native said: 'I haven't seen or heard from my sons in three years. Mandy with Zayn and Kareem. Mandy Kelly with one of her young sons before they were kidnapped by their father (Image: Irish Mirror)
'Zayn has now celebrated three birthdays in a row without me. It is devastating and deeply upsetting.
'My former partner continues to be officially deemed unlocatable by the Egyptian authorities, despite being known to reside with the applicant in the case.
'This ongoing ambiguity paired with the lack of access or communication with my sons , continues to cause deep distress and raises serious questions about procedural fairness.
'The situation is no longer just a personal tragedy, it is a prolonged denial of two Irish children's rights.
'Despite their Irish citizenship and ongoing support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister Simon Harris my children remain separated from me in Egypt.'
Mandy told how during a high level diplomatic exchange in December 2024 last a commitment was made by the Egyptians to support the safe return of Zayn and Kareem. Mandy Kelly with one of her young sons before they were kidnapped by their father (Image: Irish Mirror)
She said: 'While I remain thankful for this engagement, meaningful progress has yet to be realised.
'The court proceedings initiated in Egypt have been repeatedly delayed, with the latest adjournment now pushing the case to October 2025.
'I remain deeply grateful to the Irish Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs for their continued efforts. And I hold hope that through diplomatic resolve and compassion, my sons will soon be returned to their home and family in Ireland.' Last May the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, wrote a letter to Mandy offering her his continuing support.
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He said: 'I am conscious that this remains a very difficult situation for you and I appreciate you taking the time to update me on recent developments.
'As previously communicated to you I raised your case with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Dr Badr Abdelatty, earlier this year. I am pleased to inform you that I have more recently written to Dr Abdelatty, to seek a further update in your case.
'In my correspondence I noted my keen desire to see a timely resolution to Zayn and Kareem's case, a resolution that is in their best interests.
'I have also requested any information Dr Abdelatty may be able to share with me regarding whether or not Zayn and Kareem have been enrolled in an educational institution in Egypt, something that I know is very important to you.
'I also want to assure you that Ambassador [Nuala] O'Brien and her team are continuing to engage locally on your case and it remains a priority for the embassy.
'I am conscious that Zayn recently celebrated his 7th birthday, the third year in which he has not been able to celebrate this important milestone with his mother.' Mandy's ordeal began while on a holiday visiting her then husband's relatives in Cairo in March 2022.
They were due to return to Dundalk when he locked his wife in their hotel room and took the kids, after deciding he was not coming back to Ireland.
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