Dearbhla Mescal, the mother of acclaimed Irish actor Paul Mescal, has shared a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram to celebrate her son's 30th birthday. The post, published on Monday, offered a poignant glimpse into their close family relationship and her reflections on motherhood.
A Mother's Loving Words
The Irish policewoman, known professionally as a Garda, took to social media to mark this significant milestone for the A-list star. Her beautifully composed message detailed how welcoming Paul into the world at age 27 transformed her perspective entirely.
"My universe began a journey into colour, light, depth & imagination," she wrote, capturing the profound impact of his arrival. The tribute continued with heartfelt admiration: "You, my darling, darling boy continue to spin providing joy as you dazzle in this crazy world of ours."
Literary Inspiration
In her post, Dearbhla incorporated lines from Dr. Seuss's beloved 1990 book Oh, the Places You'll Go!, adapting them to celebrate her son's achievements and future potential. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose," she quoted, adding her own maternal pride to the classic text.
Family Bonds and Health Journey
The Mescal family, including Paul's younger siblings Nell and Donnacha and teacher father Paul, have frequently demonstrated their closeness through public appearances and social media. This bond was particularly highlighted during Dearbhla's health challenges.
In 2022, Dearbhla was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, requiring extensive treatment. The family shared their emotional journey publicly, culminating in the joyful announcement in 2024 that she had entered remission.
Paul's sister Nell revealed to the Sunday Times: "She's currently in remission but the cancer that she has is never going to be gone... It is something that you have to learn to be OK with. But, for now, she doesn't have to do any more chemo."
Public Updates and Gratitude
Dearbhla herself addressed her health status in a candid Instagram post, expressing profound gratitude. "I AM IN REMISSION!!! I am blessed," she wrote. "I am lucky, joyous and feeling very, very excited about where my life will take me and oh the places I will go."
She credited medical staff, family support, and public encouragement for helping her through difficult periods, noting how the collective well-wishes "carried me through the hard times and lifted me when I truly felt done in."
Impact on Paul Mescal's Career
The actor has spoken openly about how his mother's diagnosis affected him professionally. While filming All of Us Strangers alongside Andrew Scott, Claire Foy, and Jamie Bell, Paul experienced a significant panic attack upon learning the news.
In an interview with Esquire UK, he reflected: "I think I kind of pushed it under the carpet for a bit when we found out. Then there was a bad old day when we were setting up to do a shot and I had a panic attack."
He described the incident as particularly challenging, acknowledging: "I think my body was like, 'No. You've got to feel something here that's your own'." This vulnerability underscores the deep emotional connections within the Mescal family.
Continuing Public Presence
Since entering remission, Dearbhla has maintained an active social media presence, frequently sharing insights about her famous son and family life. Her latest birthday tribute to Paul not only celebrates his personal milestone but also reinforces the enduring strength of their familial love through both joyful occasions and health struggles.
The post concludes with maternal warmth: "So today… Happy Birthday oh heart of ours. Celebrate, be happy, be brave & be glad. You are loved & you are held." This public expression of affection continues to resonate with followers who have witnessed the family's journey over recent years.
