When it came to introducing a new man into her life to her daughters, Rachel Gorry admits that she was very nervous.
The mum-of-five, who has just welcomed twins, was widowed at 29 when her childhood sweetheart Daniel died from cancer in April 2020 and knows nothing will ever replace the love they shared.
However, knowing that Daniel would want her to be happy, and after a chance encounter, Rachel found herself accepting a date from her new partner Adrien Kiernan- but how did it all begin?
A fellow Offaly native
Chatting to RSVP, Rachel said: 'Adrien is actually an Offaly man too, we're from the same area. We knew of each other but didn't run in the same circles. I saw him out one night and we just got chatting and I actually really enjoyed his company; we got on so well.'
She remembers thinking 'God he's such a nice person' and then a few months later he asked her out!
Her girls
Since Daniel's passing, Rachel's three daughters, Leah, 14, Holly, 10, and Hannah, eight, have been the centre of her world and she was unusual how her dating may affect them.
She said: 'When he asked me on a date I did say it to Leah. I felt like she was old enough and I asked her, "How do you feel about me going on a date?" Because if she wasn't happy, I wouldn't have went. She was so supportive.'
Rachel added that Daniel had always made it clear to her, and his family, that he didn't want her to be on her own even though she 'never wanted to have that conversation'.
Rachel said that in the years since Daniel passed, loneliness crept in and she started to consider what her late husband wanted.
New Relationship
The mum-of-three announced that she was in a new relationship in June 2024, four years after her husband Daniel passed away.
Posting a picture of the couple in Rome, Rachel, who was originally was going to keep her new relationship out of the spotlight, changed her mind after she discovered the great lengths people would go to to find out who her new beau is.
'I can't tell you the lengths some people went to, it was a bit mad,' Rachel said. 'People have been taking pictures of us sneakily when we were out and messaging my friends… I thought popping up a picture would stop that and I'd share a picture so you’d know who it’s not.'
She continued: ‘I don’t intend to come on and share every detail, but I have no problem sharing pictures and if I do come on and share his breakfast, lunch, dinner, PPS number, it’s my page. If anyone doesn't like what I’m saying, they don't have to watch my stories.'
Since announcing their relationship, their connection has gone from strength to strength. For her birthday, Adrien whisked Rachel off the Big Apple to celebrate.
Growing their family
In February 2025, Rachel announced that she and Adrien were expecting... twins!
Alongside a cute video, she wrote: 'We still can’t believe we’re expecting twins…….TWINS. What a pinch me moment! I can’t even begin to tell you how happy and excited our little family is for our new additions to arrive.
'We’re feeling so unbelievably lucky and blessed. Leah, Holly & Hannah are going to be the best big sisters. We’re all soaking up every moment of pure happiness.'
A few months later, the babies made their grand arrival, with Rachel saying on August 15: 'Our two tiny miracles decided to make their entrance into the world this morning and are doing so well. We’re completely and utterly in love with them.'
Rachel shared three black-and-white snaps in her post, one snap each of the babies' feet and a photo of herself and Adrien in the hospital.
She later posted more photos of the babies, including an adorable image of her first cuddles.
'Baby Boy weighing 4 pounds and his big sister weighing 4 pound 12 ounces. And mammys first hold of baby boy and then them both, our hearts could burst,' she wrote.
