Singer Una Healy has revealed how plenty of heartache has helped her write her songs.
The Saturdays star has been at the centre of recent romance rumours, as pictures appeared to show she was in a throuple with boxer David Haye, 42, and his girlfriend Sian Osbourne, 30.
However, Una, 41, reportedly put a stop to that three-way relationship, and recently deleted any pictures of herself with the pair from her social media pages.
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And speaking this week, Una, who previously separated from husband Ben Foden, admitted she has suffered heartbreak.
She said: “I have had more then my fair share of heartbreak. I find I can’t really write songs when I’m happy but I write the best songs when I’m feeling sad.
“I am single and raising my two children, just like many other single parents – both men and women – doing a great job.
“I am a single parent. I don’t like the term single mother as it has negative connotations.
“Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you’re raising kids on your own, you deserve credit.”
Speaking at Cashel Library to celebrate International Women’s Day, Una added that she has also had it tough in her career.
She said: “I have had doors closed in my face but I’ve always kept going. You just have to get on with it.
“I sang in pubs where there were just a couple of people there enjoying a pint. I knew I couldn’t keep singing in local pubs forever and that I’d have to leave Ireland in order to make it.
“I had decided it was between London and New York, so I decided on London. I went over there and started auditioning.
“I came across an ad looking for five female members to join a girlband and decide to go for it.
“That was for The Saturdays.
“I was 25 at the time and the industry was quite ageist really, so I was delighted that I had a chance of getting in.
“I feel things are better now in the music industry, but I believe no matter what age you are, you absolutely have to pursue your dreams.
“I was running out of money living by myself. But I just stuck with it and then I finally made it to the final five.
“I was thrilled as I am a big believer in fate and I firmly believe that what’s for you won’t pass you.”
Una later chatted to the Irish Mirror as she came off stage. She said: “You know, I feel very comfortable being back here in my home county surrounded by people I have known for a long time. I’ve never spoken at a library event before. I was so nervous last night, worrying about what to say.
“But the librarian, Maura Barrett, was so lovely to me. I am honoured that people came out on a cold night to see me.”
She added: “I love to help young people follow their passion. My message is never give up!
“The problem today is that so many people want Instagram fame but they don’t realise they have to work hard for it. You get knocked back but you just have to carry on. I was always working while I built up my music career.
“I worked as a medical secretary in hospitals in Limerick and Cashel, Tipperary. I worked for a surgeon called Mr Munchen, covering maternity leave cover. So I was never not working ever.” Una looked sensational at the event, dressed in black with killer purple knee-high boots.
“Being back home here in Tipperary surrounded by family and friends makes me happy,” she said.
“I have had the same school friends for years and we are still best pals. My friends have kept me grounded in the world of showbiz.”
Una played her guitar on stage and reduced the intimate crowd to tears with her latest heartfelt single This Is Your Life.
The Thurles-born beauty also admitted how tough lockdown was, saying: “I was living in England with my two children and I didn’t go out for three months except to go to the shops.
“We went out so few times that a bird started building its nest on my front door. I had serious cabin fever.
“I am very sociable so I missed going out. I missed my family back in Ireland so it was at that point I decided to come back. Like me, my son is crazy about sport – he’s big into the GAA now!”
So, was the teenage Una rebellious?
“Well, when I was a teenager I went to Limerick on the train with my friends to get my belly button pierced.
“The scar doesn’t go away, so I regret doing that now. I had my nose pierced too but that closed up, thank goodness!
“Fashion is a big passion of mine and I’ve been lucky enough to have my own shoe collection these past five years. Somebody once told me to dress down a bit to look more cool when I was trying to make it as a musician. But then I got into a girlband so I was delighted I could get dolled up all the time.”
Una added: “Being back home, and at the library here tonight, reminds me of when my mother would take my sister and I off to borrow books.
“She would read us a story in bed. The Famous Five by Enid Blyton were my favourite books. They were always off on some adventure or another.
“I used to always want to read books about animals as I was obsessed with animals.
“Our house was full of pets including dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits.”
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