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Mary McAleese, the former president of Ireland, charts her life story beginning with a happy and boisterous childhood, growing up in the tight-knit streets of Belfast in the 50s and 60s, before the start of the Troubles when her family was subjected to brutal violence.

At Queen's University she studied law before becoming one of the first women called to the Bar, and laying the groundwork for her run for the presidency in 1997, months before the Good Friday Agreement was signed.

One of her last acts as president was hosting the queen and the duke of Edinburgh when they made their historic state visit to Dublin.

Not one to rest, after her two terms as president of Ireland, she studied for a doctorate in canon law to highlight the Roman Catholic Church's failure to protect its children from abuse. Interwoven with intimate glimpses into family life, her memoir is written and read with wit and candour, Mary McAleese's story is one about the pursuit of peace and equality for all.

The music, ‘An Droichead’, was composed and performed by Liam O'Flynn for Mary McAleese's inauguration as President of Ireland.

Omnibus of five parts abridged by Penny Leicester.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

First broadcast on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4 in May 2021.