Louth woman celebrated at Mum of the Year awards

Molly Smyth was celebrated at the 2026 Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year Awards. Originally from Dublin, Molly now lives in Drogheda and is the creative force behind the popular Healing Gals podcast.

Inspired by Molly’s experience of growing up in a difficult environment and becoming a mother at 18, the podcast focuses on self-development, self-compassion and healing.

Healing Gals has evolved beyond a podcast as Molly now hosts women’s circles, forest gatherings and community events, bringing women together in person to connect, reflect and support each other.

Molly was one of 10 nominees that attended a special lunch at 25 Fitzwilliam Place celebrating Irish mothers and highlighting their contribution across all facets of society, in an afternoon filled with emotion, admiration, laughter and fun.

Back for an incredible 23rd year, the Beko Woman’s Way Mum of the Year Awards celebrate Ireland’s amazing mothers and shine a light on women who quietly and consistently make life better, for their families, society and everyone around them, with Beko proudly supporting the awards for more than a decade.

The overall Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the year award winner was Tipperary woman Carol Hyland who was nominated for her ongoing work with marginalised young people, championing those whose voices are too often unheard.

Leanne Flynn was awarded the Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year Special Recognition Award during the event as special acknowledgement for displaying extraordinary resilience and courage shown during a violent knife crime in Dublin’s city centre.

Judie Lopes was presented with the Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year Champion Award for 2026. Judie and her family were thrust into the spotlight when Ireland adopted her husband’s home nation of Cape Verde and her son, Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, who proudly represented that country at this year’s World Cup.

Lisa McGowan, the unstoppable force behind Lisa’s Lust List and an Irish entrepreneurial success story claimed the Woman’s Way and Beko celebrity Mum of the Year award.

Event host, and chair of the judging panel Norah Casey said: “Every year, these awards remind us just how extraordinary ordinary mothers can be.

Behind every nomination is a story of love, sacrifice, resilience and determination, often from women who never seek the spotlight or recognition.

The Mum of the Year Awards are about celebrating those incredible women who make such a difference, not just to their families but to their communities and wider society. This year’s winners are truly inspirational, and it was an absolute privilege to honour them and share their remarkable stories”.

Shane O’Connor, Beko Ireland Marketing Manager added: "It’s an honour to be involved in the Woman’s Way & Beko Mum of the Year awards, which we are proud to be supporting for the 11th year.

“Today is a real celebration of Mothers everywhere and it’s a privilege to play a part in the inspirational day. The courage and strength of character from this year’s nominees was phenomenal and we are thrilled to be able to recognise them.”

More information on the awards is available to read in the latest issue of Woman’s Way magazine.