During the pandemic I created a community on Instagram called Grief Ireland. It was following the death of my sister Elaine and her husband Pa. I found Grief to be still a taboo subject, unspoken, and a topic that not many wanted to discuss. Unless of course those who were in "the club no-one wants to be in". But to find those people was difficult. So I went on a mission to open the conversation, to comfort those who mourn, to educate those who don't, to hold space for others to talk about their Grief, Love and Loss and to remember our loved ones and ensure that they would never be forgotten.
So this week it was my turn!!!!! Im allergic haha.Being the host of this podcast, and creating the whole Grief Ireland space I thought it was time to sit down and share my own story for those who perhaps wouldn't have heard it before. I do know some of you will have but there are so many new people coming across this page and podcast daily that I felt it was needed to put context on who I am and how I came to be in this position, helping to support and give space to those who grieve and have lost.I have no problem ever saying a few words but this did feel intimidating and I am nervous putting this out there but Im just going to do it and move forward then and not care too much about the response. It will reach and help those it is meant to.A continued thank you to you all for following along and supporting the podcast. Don't forget to do all the usual things to support and help it to continue to grow.For more information about the grief workshop and grief retreats please check out www.griefireland.comThis season has been brought to you by LOVE CHERISH https://www.lovecherish.com/Thank you Maeve and team for your support and belief Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@familyflowersonlyInstagram https://www.instagram.com/griefireland/?hl=en
This week, I sit down with Kirsty Forde, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her partner, Glenn Fullam. Kirsty and Glenn were young, so in love, and raising their little boy Cruz when Glenn was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, a rare and fast-moving illness that doctors couldn't even name.What followed was a devastating and rapid decline, and Kirsty was left facing the unimaginable, life without the person she thought she'd spend forever with.This is a story of love, loss, and strength, and I know so many of you will connect deeply with Kirsty's honesty, heartbreak, and quiet resilience.You can find Kirsty on TikTok and Instagram @KirstyFordeFor tickets and more information about our Grief Workshop in Dublin Oct 19th please visit www.griefireland.comFollow us on TikTok @familyflowersonlyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@familyflowersonly?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
This week, I sit down with Marie Kealy, who bravely shares the story of her beautiful daughter, Hannah. At just two years old, Hannah's life was tragically cut short, and what follows is a conversation that is incredibly raw, heartbreaking, and deeply important.Despite her unimaginable grief, Marie and her husband Denis made the powerful decision to donate Hannah's organs a choice that has gone on to save the lives of others. In this episode, Marie speaks not only about love and loss, but also about legacy, awareness, and honouring the good that Hannah brought into the world in her short time here.This is a difficult listen at times, but it's one filled with meaning, hope, and a mother's fierce desire to make sure her daughter's life continues to help others.Brought to you by lovecherish.comFor more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
Most weeks on Family Flowers Only, we sit down with someone who's experienced an enormous loss, and together we walk through their story of love, grief, and everything in between. But this week, I wanted to take a little pause from the weight of those stories because grief can be so heavy, and I know how much it stirs up for people listening.So I've invited someone very special to me on this week, Caroline Fitzgerald. Caroline is an EFT practitioner and an oncology nurse. She works closely with me on our grief retreats, offering incredible support through tapping, breath work and just a beautiful calming presence.Her work has brought her into close contact with grief, trauma, and the way it lives in the body. This conversation is a softer one, a slower one, something to give you a bit of space if you're carrying your own loss today.Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, I really hope there's something in this episode that lands gently for you.You can find Caroline here https://www.instagram.com/carolinefitzgerald.ie/
This week on the podcast, I sit down with Sinead Earls, a devoted mum who shares the story of her beautiful son Cialin. Cialin was a unique and special little boy full of light, curiosity and love. He had autism and faced a number of health challenges in his short life, including scoliosis and epilepsy. In December 2021, Cialin tragically passed away after a sudden epileptic seizure, known as SUDEP Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Sinead speaks so openly and lovingly about his life, their bond, and the grief that follows a loss like this. It's a conversation about deep love, resilience, and honouring the memory of a very special boy.You can find Sinead on Instagram @cialins_everglowFor more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
This week, I sit down with Eoin McGrath, an online coach, a recovering addict, and one of the most open and inspiring guests I've had on the podcast.Eoin shares his journey through addiction, from being a young boy struggling in school to becoming the class clown to fit in, turning to alcohol for confidence, and eventually spiralling into cocaine use.He speaks so honestly about the realities of addiction, his time in rehab, and the beautiful love story that unfolded there with Karley and the devastating loss he faced when she passed away before they could build a life together.This is a powerful, emotional, and deeply important conversation, one that I believe will help so many people, and one that every family should hear.As always, if you enjoy the episode, don't forget to follow, share, and spread the word. It really helps us reach even more people who might need it.You can find Eoin on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eoinmcgrath23/And Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/eoin-mcgrath-recovery
This week, I sit down with Anna Bradley, who shares the story of losing her husband Crocker so suddenly after he went out for a surf and never came home. With two small children and their world turned upside down, Anna speaks honestly about the shock, the heartbreak, and what it means to carry on. She shares the things that helped from running marathons to breathwork, and the moments where she knew she had to stop and look after herself. Anna's story is full of heartbreak, strength, and wisdom for anyone finding their way through grief.Visit www.griefireland.com for more information on Grief Retreats
This week, I sit down with Louise Mulcahy, who speaks so openly and honestly about the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Peter, in a road traffic accident in October 2023. Together for 20 years and raising two small boys, Louise and Peter were in the middle of building their forever home... life was full of plans and promise, until everything changed in an instant. We talk about the shock of sudden loss, the weight of grief, and what it means to navigate that while trying to show up every day for young children who are still trying to understand it all. This is a powerful and moving conversation.For tickets to Grief Retreats check out www.griefireland.com
This week, I sit down with Alan and Eimear Durnan to talk about their beautiful daughter, Keeley Duggan, who they heartbreakingly lost in July 2023. Keeley was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare and aggressive brain tumour. Alan and Eimear speak openly about the long road to her diagnosis, her incredible strength throughout her illness, and the deep grief they now live with. In her memory, they've set up the Keeley D Foundation, a charity that offers practical support to children on palliative care and their families. Their story is one of love, heartbreak, and the unbreakable bond of family. Instagram @Keeleydfoundation@griefirelandFor more information on Grief Retreats visit griefireland.com
This week, on a very special Mother's Day episode, I sit down with Nicola McGuire as she shares the story of her incredible parents, Pam and Vinny. Both were diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and as their only child, Nicola devoted her life to caring for them. She speaks about the deep love between her parents, the heartbreak of watching her mom fade away, and the anticipatory grief she now carries for her dad. It's a conversation about love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and child.And as always, if you find this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast, sharing it on social media, or sending it to someone who might need to hear it.For more support visit https://alzheimer.ie/For Tickets to our Grief and Wellness Retreats please visit www.griefireland.comFollow us on Instagram @griefireland And Tiktok @Familyflowersonly
Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the guest. Any opinions expressed are personal and do not represent the views of this podcast. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode, I speak with Joe Loughnane from Galway about the heartbreaking loss of his brother, Adam Loughnane, who died by suicide just weeks ago. Joe shares Adam's story, years of trauma, the weight of a pending court case, and his desperate attempts to seek help in the hours before his death. His powerful words shed light on the impact of abuse, the failings of the mental health system, and the need for real change.If you are struggling, you are not alone. Support is available:Pieta House – 1800 247 247 / Text HELP to 51444Samaritans Ireland – 116 123 (24/7 free helpline)Aware (for depression & anxiety) – 1800 80 48 48Your Mental Health (HSE Support) – Call 50808 or visit yourmentalhealth.iePlease reach out if you need help.
In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Maeve Dennehy, the heart behind Love Cherish and this season's sponsor. Maeve shares the story of losing her beloved sister Karen and 5 years later, her mother Maeve both to cancer. She talks about the incredible care they received at Marymount Hospice, the heartbreak of those losses, and how she keeps their memory alive with her children.Maeve's story is full of love, loss, and the moments that remind us what really matters. It's an open and honest conversation about grief, but also about finding strength in the people we've loved and lost.This episode is brought to you by Love Cherish. Show your support at lovecherish.com and follow @lovecherishboutique.Use the code FLOWERS10 for a discount at checkout!Visit griefireland.com for more information and tickets for our Grief Retreats
On todays episode of Family Flowers Only I spoke to Sophia Murphy Sophia is a recently qualified PT and a mom from Galway TW. Please be advised that this episode contains conversations of childhood sexual abuse and is often times upsetting. See below for helpline advice Sophias story of loss begins in childhood when heartbreakingly, as a baby her father began abusing her. She endured many years of absolute hell and torture until the abuse came to an end at the age of 16 when another victim came forward and he was eventually jailed for his horrific crimes. We spoke about so much from the abuse, to the courts, her battle with addiction, loosing her beloved sister Steph to addiction and fighting her way forward to build a life little Sophia would be proud of and deserves. If you have been affected by this episode please call the RAPE CRISIS CENTRE ON 1800 77 8888 You can find Sophia on TikTok @sophiamurphy980 And on Instagram @sophfit7 You can follow Kathie On Instagram @griefireland On TikTok @familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of Family Flowers Only I spoke to Mary McHugh. Mary is a psychotherapist with over 25 years experience and the owner of www.counsellingonline.ie We sat down and spoke about her own experiences of loss, one being the breakdown of her marriage when she was pregnant with her third child. We also answered all of your questions that you sent in, from how to cope with guilt, feeling numb, how to know if therapy is right for you and the feeling of not wanting to be here anymore. I adore Mary she has such a calm warming presence and I hope you enjoy our conversation You can follow Kathie On Instagram @griefireland On TikTok @familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of family flowers only I speak to Kathleen Chada Kathleen is from Carlow, she is a nurse and mom to Eoghan and RuairÍ. She is a campaigner for real justice and author of the book “Everything” Please be aware the following details some listeners might find upsetting and in this episode we discuss murder, suicide ideation, death and loss. On July 29, 2013, Kathleen's former husband Sanjeev Chada murdered their sons, Eoghan (10) and Ruairí (5), and later attempted to take his own life. He killed the boys in Ballintubber, Co Mayo, and their bodies were found in the boot of his car which he had crashed near Westport in an attempt to take his own life. He pleaded guilty in court and was handed two life sentences to run concurrently. Kathleen has often spoke publicly about what happenedand the justice side of things but I wanted to give her the opportunity to focus on the boys, who they were and what they were like, and about her own personal experiences through Grief and loss. She is such an impressive woman who gave so much wisdom and many insights into how she copes since her horrific loss. I hope this episode is helpful to you and that you enjoy our chat . If you enjoyed this episode please don't forget to hit the follow button here and rate on the channel, tell a friend and I will talk to you next time. You can follow Kathie On Instagram @griefireland On TikTok @familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of family flowers only I speak to Claire Walsh Claire is from Kildare, she is a freediver, year-round sea swimmer and teacher of breathwork courses. She is also author of her book "UNDERWATER" She lives in Dublin with her husband Boudy. Having both discussed early on in their relationship their desire to expand their family by having children they had plenty of dreams and hopes for the future. Unfortunately getting pregnant isn't simple or a given and like thousands of others Claire sadly has navigated the living grief and loss that comes with subfertility commonly known as infertility and the challenges of IVF. We spoke about searching for a space to fit in to grieve the losses that she feels, about the IVF process and the uncertainty for the future I hope this episode is helpful to you and that you enjoy our chat You can follow Claire On Instagram @clairewalshlife Or website www.clairewalshlife.com You can follow Kathie On Instagram @griefireland On TikTok @familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On this weeks episode of Family Flowers Only I speak to Annette Burke Annette is from Galway and is a trainee psychotherapist. Her early life faced challenge and loss of sorts as her brother battled with poor mental health which put a lot of strain on the family. In 2020 Annettes mother Teresa passed away after a short illness which caused a great deal of complexity surrounding her grief as their relationship had been strained in the lead up to her mothers diagnosis. Sadly her grief was further compounded by another blow to her family earlier this year. Annette spoke to me about the heaviness of guilt, the misconception that we always have ample amounts of time, and how her mother helps her now. I hope you enjoy this episode N.B (Please be aware we discuss topics of a sensitive nature in this podcast such as Death, Mental Health, Suicide etc) Visit www.pieta.ie for MH support or call 116 123 You can follow Kathie On Instagram @griefireland On TikTok @familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of family flowers only I speak to Aidan Brennan Aidan is from Roscommon, husband to Tracey and Dad to Evan. Aidans wife Tracey was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in 2017 following a smear test. She went on to advocate for access to the drug Pembroe and campaigned alongside Vicky Phelan and Aine Morgan, the drug was made available for the women of Ireland something Tracey and the other ladies valiantly fought for. Unfortunately the drug did not work for Tracey and she sadly lost her life to Cancer in 2019. Aidan shared with me so openly about his grief, the reality of being left to raise a young child alone and how overwhelming the loneliness can be at times I hope this episode helps you in some way. (N.B Please note that we discuss sensitive topics such as Death, Cancer and Grief) You can follow Kathie on Instagram @griefireland And on TikTok @Familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of family flowers only I speak to Diane Healy Diane is from Sligo, a Guard and mom to little Caolán. Diane first experienced grief when she lost her dad Hugh 6 weeks before her wedding to the love of her life Ronan. They went on to build a beautiful life together and during lockdown they were so content in their own little bubble with their new little baby when devastatingly tragedy struck again when Ronan lost his life in a RTC. Diane so bravely spoke to me about her broken heart, the dignity, honour and respect that was paid to Ronan during his funeral, the ripple affect of his loss and how she tries to find light through self care. I hope this episode helps you in some way Don't forget to follow us here and leave a rating and most importantly please tell your friends. N.B Please be aware we discuss topics that are sensitive such as death, RTCs, life support You can find Kathie on Instagram @griefireland And on Tik Tok @familyflowersonly For more information on retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of family flowers only I speak to Fiona Maguire Fiona hails from Dublin, a mom and a psychotherapist and Counsellor Fiona first experienced grief and loss in her life at the tender age of 9 years old, when she lost her mom at the age of 32 to cancer. Unfortunately tragedy would visit Fiona again when on her 13th wedding anniversary her beloved husband Mark took his own life at the age of 38 Fiona talked to me about the grief and shock that accompanies suicide, when there are no warning signs, the invasion of privacy that can sometimes come with a suicide and that being resilient isn't the same thing as self care I hope you enjoy this episode Don't forget to follow on this platform and rate. N.B On this episode we discuss difficult topics such as suicide, death, loss Please visit the following for support www.pieta.ie Or you can call the Samaritans on 116 123. Brought to you by www.counsellingonline.ie You can find Fiona on Instagram @fionasflourishingtherapy You can find Kathie on Instagram @griefireland and TikTok @Familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of family flowers only I speak to Amy wall Amy lives in county Clare she is a mom to 3 children with 1 on the way and wife to Vinnie In March 2017, 11 weeks after their second child Mannix was born, Amy's world was turned upside down when her husband Vinnie and her 3 year old daughter Estlin were involved in a serious collision whilst they were driving to Creche. What followed is what I could only describe as a living nightmare. Amy talks so openly and honestly with me about the dark reality of child loss, how she gets through each day knowing another human is responsible for this and how she has found a way to cope with the darkness. Amy will give so much hope to people who are struggling today. I hope you enjoy our chat. T.W In this episode we discuss childloss, suicidal thoughts, death and grief. Supports: https://anamcara.ie/ Supporting bereaved parents If you are in crisis Call 116 123 - Samaritans - or visit https://www.pieta.ie/ If you found this episode helpful please don't forget to follow on here, rate subscribe and share it with your friends. You can find out more about Kathie on Instagram @griefireland and Tiktok @familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of Family flowers only I talk to Thomas Kiely, husband to Angela and dad of Thomas J. Thomas and Angela were childhood sweethearts meeting in 4th class in school, and in Sept 2015 their world changed forever when Angela was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Angela had a long road and fought hard against the disease but sadly passed away in 2019. Thomas spoke to me so honestly about his own personal Grief and loss. We spoke about Cancer, his own mental health from breakdown to asking for help, what its like being a single dad to a grieving child, what he does to help him find joy in life and how important it is to talk. This is an important and heartfelt conversation and I hope you enjoy it. If you enjoyed this podcast please don't forget to Subscribe or rate the show and share it with your friends and I will speak to you next time. You can follow Kathie on Instagram @griefireland and TikTok @Familyflowersonly To find out more about Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of Family flowers only I talk to Louise Leye. Louise is from Galway and is mom to 3 beautiful kids, 2 are here with her and one lives in Heaven, her beautiful little girl Sadbh sadly was born sleeping. We spoke all about the stigma around stillbirth, the wonderful care and compassion her family received as they journeyed home to Ireland to lay Sadbh to rest and why its so important to Louise to speak her little girls name. This is something that's not often discussed out loud and is such an important conversation to have. It is of course such a heartbreaking story like many others and I hope you enjoy our conversation. (Please be mindful we discuss difficult topics such as stillbirth, death, and childloss) If you enjoyed this podcast please don't forget to Subscribe or follow rate and share it with your friends and I will speak to you next time You can find Kathie on Instagram and tiktok @griefireland For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of Family flowers only I talk to Susan Moylan. Susan is a counsellor and CEO of the Stephen Moylan Foundation. In 2003 Susan was on holidays with her husband Sean and their children when Sean tragically died in his sleep with a virus in the brain at the age of 43. Sadly the tragedy didn't end there when Susans beloved son Stephen died tragically in Spain at the young age of 30. We spoke about the nightmare of loosing a loved one abroad, the horrific moment when a mother looses her child, the huge effect loss has on a family and how her family now work to “mind the kids' through their inspiring work through their foundation. (Please be mindful we discuss difficult topics such as child loss, death) You can find out more on the work Susan does at www.thestephenmoylanfoundation.com Socials @ The Stephen Moylan Foundation. You can follow Kathie on Instagram @griefireland and TikTok @Familyflowersonly For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com If you enjoyed this podcast please don't forget to Subscribe or follow rate and share it with your friends and I will speak to you next time
On todays episode of Family Flowers Only I talk to Alison Finnegan, wife of the late Anthony Anto Finnegan, beloved former Antrim GAA footballer and Captain. In 2012 Anto was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease, a disease he bore with great courage strength and bravery. Along with his family he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds of MND. Anto sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 48. Alison and I spoke about the shock of diagnosis, the daily losses that come with MND, the devastation of having no treatments available to help with MND and how she feels Anto is always with her. (Please be mindful we discuss difficult topics such as terminal illness, mental health, death) You can find Alison on Instagram @wander_lust_xox and on their website www.determnd.com You can follow Kathie on Instagram @griefireland For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com If you enjoyed this podcast please don't forget to Subscribe Follow and Rate and Share it with your friends and I will speak to you next time
On todays episode of Family flowers only I talk to Peter Mahony, a therapist specialising in Grief in his own practice called by your side therapy. In May 2019 Peters world was rocked when he received a phone call to tell him his brother Andrew Mahony, a popular talented musician and Voice of Ireland star, had died by suicide. We spoke about what led up to that point, the endless questions after, the coroners court, how his family found meaning since loosing Andrew and the gift of therapy. This is an important conversation and one that I hope you will take with you. (Please be mindful we discuss difficult topics such as suicide, mental health, death) You can follow Peter on Instagram and FB @by_your_side_therapy and on his website www.byyoursidetherapy.com If you enjoyed this podcast please don't forget to Subscribe rate and share it with your friends and I will speak to you next time. You can follow Kathie @griefireland For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
On todays episode of "Family Flowers Only" I talk to Corinna Tolan. Corrina in her professional life is a skin expert and is at the helm of one of the most successful skincare practices in the country called Monica Tolan Beauty, she's also a mum to 2 girls and the host of a successful podcast - "Skin Deep" Today we discussed her experience of Grief, loosing both of her parents, Francis and Monica, and how being there with them as they passed from this world was a gift she treasures. Her perception of grief is so insightful and incredibly valuable I'm sure you will be as blown away and moved as I was. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Notes: We discuss Death, Dying, Afterlife Follow Corinna on Instagram @Corrina_monicatolanbeauty Follow Kathie on Instagram @Griefireland For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com If you enjoyed this podcast please don't forget to rate and share it with your friends and I will speak to you next time
On todays episode of "Family Flowers Only" I talk to Sinead Kavanagh better known as “The Beaut Truth' online. A busy working mom Sinead spoke to me about loosing her beloved Dad Dessie from Brain Cancer. I got a real feel for how special their relationship was and the character Dessie was. We spoke about how difficult it was to navigate supporting her dad during his illness and particularly during lockdown and Covid times. We also spoke of the incredible work that the hospice do. This is a heartfelt and raw conversation about the reality of love and loss and I hope that you will enjoy our conversation. Notes - We discuss Brain Cancer, Death, Dying, Grief. Follow Sinead on Instagram @thebeauttruth Follow Kathie on Instagram @griefireland For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com
Welcome to "Family Flowers Only", a podcast by Grief Ireland about all things Grief, Love and Loss hosted by Kathie Stritch. A place to normalise grief, educate and have space. A place to remember, to share, to be heard, and to feel safe. In this episode host Kathie of Grief Ireland gives you a little background into why she set this podcast up, and her own personal story of Grief and Loss. Check out our Spotify Playlist 'Grief Ireland' - A playlist of songs from our community that was a loved ones favourite song, played at their funeral, or just reminds them in some way of them. Its so lovely to listen and think about who that person might have been.
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