Friday's Today with Maura and Dáithí makeover was for Margaret Hannon-Gleeson from Beale, North Kerry.
Margaret was nominated by Veronica Cotter, a friend of hers who had benefitted from Margaret's kind heart. Veronica told the RTÉ Today team that Margaret opens her arms and hearts to all her friends, and always greets them with, 'It is my pleasure’.
She met her husband Stephen when he and some friends came camping to Ballybunion from Limerick back in 1979 and they were married the following year. Together, they welcomed four children: Tulsa, Jessica, Rebecca and Samantha.
It was while watching the news break around 1990 about the awful conditions in the Romanian orphanages that Margaret and Stephen decided that they could offer a home to some children. Two-year-old Stefan joined the Gleesons in 1991, followed by 10-year-old Marinela in 1994.
As news broke of the devastating drought leaving thousands of orphaned children in Ethopia, Margaret and Stephen again opened their hearts and home to three-month-old Terhas in 2003, making their family a total of nine Gleesons.
Sadly only four years later, Stephen passed away from cancer leaving Margaret a widow at 49 years of age, and with seven children.
Margaret describes herself as daring, but not practical when it comes to life and family. Her passions in life include her children, 10 grandchildren, being a founding member of the Kerry Astronomy Group and her church. Margaret also loves gardening, a love she picked up from her Dad who ran a flower nursery in the 1950’s. The busy lady also loves taking photos, inspired by the beautiful sea views that surround her home.
Margaret continues to give of herself throughout her life to family and friends, which made it an extra special honour to pamper her with the full Glam Squad treatment on RTÉ Today.
Her hair was trimmed and shaped into a glamorous cropped style by Pamela Morrissey of Sobe Brown, while Mark Rogers created a subtle and glowing makeup look her her. Finally, stylist Marietta Doran put together a fun and colourful look with an outfit sponsored by Wardrobe Plus.
Click through the gallery to see more photos of Margaret's makeover.
