Cat Deeley has shared why she was unable to attend the funeral of her husband Patrick Kielty’s mother, Mary, in Dundrum, Ireland.
The This Morning presenter, 48, was noticeably absent as he joined family and friends to say their final goodbyes.
The Late Late Show host was seen carrying his mother’s coffin a week after her passing at her home in Co Down.
While Kielty attended the funeral, it has been revealed that Deeley remained in London to handle school drop-offs and pick-ups for their two sons, Milo, eight, and James, five, alongside her hosting duties on This Morning with Ben Shephard.
A spokesman for the ITV presenter told the Mail: “Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day.”
Kielty’s mother’s death was confirmed early Saturday, hours after he hosted the latest episode of his popular Irish talk show on Friday night.
A death notice described Mary Kielty as a “loving mother” and “devoted grandmother,” adding that she “will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her entire family circle, neighbours, and friends.” She is survived by her three sons—Patrick, John, and Cahal.
The Northern Irish presenter’s father, Jack Kielty, was shot and killed by loyalist paramilitaries in 1988 during the Troubles aged 44.
Mourners at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dundrum heard that Mrs Kielty had had “a difficult life”, referring to the death of her husband.
“It left its impact not only on the close family and friends, but also on the wider community,” parish priest Robert Fleck said.
“On the occasion of her funeral, we recommit ourselves to working for peace and reconciliation in the divided community that is the north of Ireland.”
Canon Fleck said that in his last conversation with Mrs Kielty, she was “a bit tired” but managed to share some stories.
“Mary had a good sense of humour, her family have thrived on this gift,” he said.
“Recently, Pope Francis met a number of world comedians, including Mary’s stand-up comic son Patrick.
“He spoke, the Pope did, of the gift that was theirs, and of how it also pointed to the joy of resurrection.”
In the eulogy, Mrs Kielty’s eldest son John spoke about their “brilliant” childhood in the 1970s despite it being associated with “the darkest days” of the Troubles.
Kielty gave the second reading at her funeral mass.
Among those who were in attendance at the funeral were RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst and other RTE representatives.
North Belfast priest Gary Donegan, an advocate for peace and reconciliation, also attended.
