They have their unique ways of doing things and at the end of the day, when they say "you know I'm right" as much as you want to go against it, you must admit the truth.
If you are sick, they have the cure. They have a sixth sense of always knowing where you are, and don't even think of lying as they have a radar for that too.
Over the years, TV has tried to replicate them and give those outside the country an idea of what we grew up with. We have put together some of the most influential onscreen mums. Beware you may just see some of your own mum's traits in them.
1. Kay Curley - "The Snapper"
Kay (right) and the whole Curley clan from "The Snapper".
We decided to go for one mum who doesn't get the recognition that she deserves. Married to Dessie for God knows how long, she is the typical example of a mum who married young and had a rake of children. How she doesn't lose track of them, we don't know.
She is easygoing but at the same time wouldn't be afraid to give you a clip around the ear if you stepped out of line. And believe us, she won't care what age you are.
However, while she may be laid-back, she still cares about what the neighbours will think. Remember when Sharon told them she was pregnant? The first line out of Kay was "the neighbours".
And, of course, who can forget this response when asked for a ride?
2. Mrs Agnes Brown
Mrs Agnes Brown from "Mrs Brown's Boys".
You knew she was going to be on the list. Another northside mother that will tell you to "f***" off just as quickly but at the same time would give you her last tenner if you needed it. Oh, and the clatter around the head definitely comes into this one as well.
Her family is her life and no matter what they do, she will always have their back.
She represents that period of women who may not have had the best marriages but at the end of the day, she would give her kids the clothes off her back.
3. Bridget ("Bridget and Eamon")
Bridget and Eamon.
This is your typical 80s and some may say borderline 90s mother. Crazy-looking hair, awful shoulder pads in her jackets and the obligatory fag hanging out of their mouth. (The days before we really found out what chain-smoking did to us).
Trapped in a loveless marriage, constantly fights with her husband, and always knows what the latest gossip in the town is. Oh, and to blend more in with the times, had a love for listening to Larry Gogan's Just a Minute Quiz.
4. Biddy Byrne ("Glenroe")
Miley and Biddy Byrne from "Glenroe".
Now, of all the types of mammies, you don't want to mess with this one is top of the list. We have used the example Biddy Byrne from "Glenroe". Strong-willed and not afraid of hard work, her hard exterior and sharp wit would cut you straight down the middle.
Except, underneath it all, there is a little softness, a vulnerability for those she loves. Falling for the "local ride" Miley Byrne, she refuses to give in to her feeling and when asked about him calls him "a bit of a gom".
Love conquers this snow queen and even when he cheats on her with her cousin, Fidelma, which by the way was the biggest scandal on TV at the time, she still forgives him.
Biddy Byrne the mother who comes across as an ice queen, but whose heart always melts.
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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