A rare update on the health of former government Minister and Fianna Fail politician has been provided by her son.
The 85-year-old veteran politician is beloved in her native Westmeath and beyond but has spent much of this year in hospital and was at times "very ill."
However, the former Minister for Education is now at home and looking in great form and good health after being pictured with her son, Aengus, a local councillor at Westmeath County Council.
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Taking to Twitter, Aengus shared a selfie alongside his mother as she kept up to date on the local goings on in the Westmeath Independent.
Aengus posted: "After months in hospital, at times very ill, mam has made a great recovery in recent weeks. Thanks for all the good wishes, prayers and support, we really appreciate it."
O'Rourke is a notably vivacious character who remained in the public eye after her retirement from politics in 2011. She released her memoir a year later in 2012. Entitled Just Mary: My Memoir, it won the Listener's Choice category at the Irish Book Awards that same year.
Responding on Twitter, people were quick to extend well wishes to the 'Mammy of the Dáil'.
Paula MacSweeney wrote: "Awww I was on the panel on the Elaine Show with Mary a few times - she’s so, so lovely. Please give her my best!"
Another said: "Delighted to hear this. Time to get back on the radio Mary, I love when you pop up on the airwaves, so much wisdom!"
A third commenter added: "Couldn't agree more. I didn't realise she was ill, glad to hear she's back on her feet. Her radio appearances are gold, her mind contains so much history, so much knowledge and wisdom."
Eddie Hobbs also said, "Please pass on my heartfelt best wishes to Mary" as he responded to Aengus.
Another heartfelt message read: "Good to see your Mam looking really well again. Happened to see your Mam and you leaving a hospital one evening weeks back. It was Mary's voice I recognised. She has had a tough time of it. Best wishes."
O'Rourke previously opened up about the loneliness she faced during Covid-19 when strict household visiting restrictions meant she went many weeks without seeing her beloved children and grandchildren.
The grandmother-of-six had been isolating at home up until the Government had issued advice that older people could go outside while socially distancing.
Mary said: “I’d been in my garden, reading poetry, writing, it was very mindful.
“But it’s hard to explain the exhilaration I felt when I was able to turn the key in the door and get into my car and see people walking down the street.
“I was going nowhere but it meant everything at the time. The little things were amazing and from now on I hope we don’t take the little things for granted.
“It’s been so difficult for everyone, for parents, for those on the frontline, for those at home alone, she said in 2020.
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