An image from Mary O'Rourke's upcoming appearance on the RTE show 'Keys to My Life'.

Mary O'Rourke revisits key places in her life for tv show

Mary O'Rourke recently revisited some of the buildings and locations that shaped her life for a television programme on RTÉ One. The former Fianna Fáil Minister from Athlone recorded an episode of 'Keys To My Life', hosted by Brendan Courtney, which will be broadcast on Sunday, October 3.

The series shows well-known personalities as they return to homes they lived in previously, as well as other locations that hold a special meaning for them. In the episode featuring Mary O'Rourke, she recalls her childhood in Athlone, growing up on the grounds of the Gentex factory which was managed by her father, PJ Lenihan. She then visits the Hodson Bay Hotel, which had been purchased by her family in the 1950s, and which was where, at the age of 18, she met her future husband, Enda.

In addition, Mary also returns to the Dublin apartment which became her weekday home during her time in Government. She looks back on her years serving under Taoisigh Charlie Haughey and Bertie Ahern at a time when female Ministers were few and far between.

The 30-minute programme, which will be the last episode in the four-part series, was filmed over two periods, in October of last year and August of this year. High-profile priest Fr Brian D'Arcy, Hothouse Flowers singer Liam Ó Maonlaí, and broadcaster Áine Lawlor are the others featured in this series of 'Keys to My Life', which airs on Sundays at 8.30pm.