Originally from the Inishowen Peninsula, Co. Donegal, but now settled in Co Laois, Phyllis Howlin is a 58-year-old palliative care nurse and a mother to four children: Daithi (25), Barry (23), Aiden (19) and Avabeth (15).
It was her youngest, Avabeth, who nominated Phyliss for some VIP treatment at the Today show, to celebrate her recent promotion to Advanced Nurse Practitioner, and to cheer her up as her two older boys are set to move to Australia in November.
Born one of eleven children, Phyllis told the presenters that she has wonderful memories of growing up in Gleneely on the family farm with her parents, five brothers and five sisters.
The Donegal native also has a wonderful group of friends around her, and has a special place in her heart for 'The Galway Girls' - all of whom trained as nurses together back in the 80s in Galway Regional Hospital. To this day, they make sure to meet up at least once a year.
Next month, Phyllis plans to attend an annual charity ball for the Midlands Hospice build fund, and hoped to get a nice frock for the occasion.
Stylist Fiona Hayes pulled it out of the bag with a stunning gown, gifted by Brown Thomas Cork. Additionally, Pamela Morrissey of Sobe Brown delivered a total hair transformation, while make-up artist Mark Rodgers added lots of colour and glam.
No doubt about it, Phyllis was absolutely the belle of the ball.
