Brendan Courtney announces sad passing of ‘beautiful’ mam Nuala after battle with Alzheimer's

Brendan Courtney today announced the sad passing of his “beautiful” mam Nuala Courtney.

The TV host and fashion designer shared the news on social media Tuesday morning, announcing that this beloved mother passed away peacefully this morning.

Alongside a stunning photo of his mam, Brendan wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beautiful Mam Nuala Courtney - she passed peacefully at 7:20 this morning. Information on RIP. Ie later today.”.

Of course there is never a good time to say goodbye to a loved one, and especially a parent, however it is particularly difficult to suffer a deep loss in the midst of festive period.

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Brendan has previously been open about his mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease and how she is supported by the incredible carers at her nursing home.

Earlier this year, Brendan opened up about the “cruel disease” and how he hopes to be like his mother when he gets older.

“It’s not easy, Alzheimer’s is a very cruel disease, you just have to get through it and keep the humour.

“She’s happy, she’s so cute now. She was a very dominant matriarch. My father adored her, everyone loves her. She’s full of charm, I didn’t lick it off a stone,” he told the Irish Independent.

“She’s funny and easy company, my dad got grumpy as he got older and he got difficult to be around. He was always giving out and I’m always hoping that doesn’t happen to me, that I stay funny and charming like my mam.

“She’s much happier in the nursing home, she’s surrounded by lovely people, it’s fun. I was calling bingo a few weeks ago, it’s great craic. She’s safe at night. They’ve a little fake pub in the nursing home and a little hairdressers.”

The designer explained that there are always events and excursions going on.

“They’re always up to something, they’ll watch movies, go to museums, go out for lunch, they’ll sing, they’ll do yoga – my mam was a yoga teacher as well.

“This is a stage of life. I’m grateful she’s not ill, she’s not in pain, she doesn’t have cancer. I go to do my mam’s hair and make-up, we sit and chat, we go for coffee. All she wants now is your time.”

Brendan has been working on a script titled Mammy Issues over the last two years.

“Mammy Issues is about a middle-aged gay son and his aging, glamorous mother. He’s a wannabe fashion designer. It’s very loosely based on our relationships, mother-son relationships, and Irish mammies,” he said.

Brendan was quickly comforted by friends and followers to rushed to share their condolences with him in the comments.

Miriam O’Callaghan left a kind comment that read: “So sorry to hear this Brendan - I know how much you adored her and she you. That’s a precious love. You’ll now be minded forever more by her from Heaven. I hope you’re doing okay.”.