Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland

This week I sit down with Zoe Williams who shares the heartbreaking loss of her brother Lee who died from cancer at just 27 years old.Zoe speaks openly about what it was like to watch her brother become ill at such a young age, the shock of losing him when life should have been stretching out in front of him, and the deep bond they shared as siblings.She reflects on the aftermath of his death, the silence, and the space he left behind.This is a tender and honest conversation about loosing someone far too soon, and learning how to carry them with you in the years that follow.For more information on Grief Retreats please visit www.griefireland.com To WATCH podcast episodes and find real support in the membership - https://after-the-flowers.circle.so/checkout/after-the-flowers-membership

This week I sit down with Lyn Kennedy for an honest conversation about two very different but equally profound kinds of loss.Lyn first speaks about her wonderful dad Peter who developed depression later in life and struggled openly with his mental health before dying by suicide. She reflects on what it was like to witness that decline, the impact it had on their family, and the shock and grief that follows such a complex loss.We then move into Lyn's own journey with secondary infertility, the seven-year struggle to have another baby and the emotional toll of longing, hope, and uncertainty. Lyn shares candidly about what that chapter looked like for her and where that journey has led.This is a conversation about love, resilience, and the many forms grief can take, both sudden and slow, visible and invisible.For more information on Lyns work you will find her on Instagram @lynkennedyphotography For more information on The Grief Workshops please visit www.griefireland.com

This week I sit down with Evan Daly, who speaks with such love and honesty about losing his dad Iggy to an extremely aggressive cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma. Evan's dad died just one month to the day after his diagnosis, and Evan reflects on the courage and calm acceptance his dad showed from the very beginning and how that strength carried their family through the hardest weeks of their lives.Beyond the loss itself, this conversation gently opens into something many people experience after grief, loosing your way, feeling disconnected from your body, your routine, and yourself. Evan shares his perspective as an online coach, speaking about compassion, empathy, and meeting yourself where you are, especially after loss, when motivation and structure can feel impossible.We also talk about Evan's coaching platform app Glean and how movement, routine, and self-kindness can become supports rather than pressures during grief.For anyone looking for additional support you'll find my membership space After the Flowers here https://after-the-flowers.circle.so/checkout/after-the-flowers-membershipFor upcoming Grief Workshops - visit https://www.griefireland.com/For more information about the incredible work Evan is doing visit: https://www.gleanapp.com

This week I sit down with Roz McElwee for an honest and moving conversation. Roz speaks about loosing her beloved mom to cancer.Interwoven throughout this episode is a very open discussion about baby loss, fertility struggles, miscarriage, and the journey toward surrogacy. Roz shares her story with such vulnerability, touching on the quiet grief that so many people carry while trying to build a family often in silence.This is a conversation about layered loss, grieving a parent while also navigating the heartbreak and hope that comes with fertility challenges and the strength it takes to keep going when life doesn't unfold as expected.For those looking for ongoing support, I've created a private membership space called After the Flowers. You can find more information here https://after-the-flowers.circle.so/checkout/after-the-flowers-membership

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide, mental health struggles, and family estrangement.In this weeks episode I'm joined by Ailbhe O'Donnell, who shares her experience of loss, survival, and the long-term impact of family estrangement.Ailbhe speaks openly about loss in its many forms the loss of family connection, the loss of identity, the loss of belonging and what it means to grieve people who are still alive.This episode also explores Alva's journey through profound mental health struggles in her early adulthood, her experience of feeling unsupported at critical moments, and the slow, hard process of rebuilding a life rooted in self-worth, resilience, and compassion. At its heart, this is a conversation about survival, and learning how to become your own source of care when no one else can.This episode does not seek to assign blame or make allegations about any individual. All reflections shared are from Ailbhe's personal perspective, memory, and emotional experience and are presented as such.Listener CareThis episode may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening, pause if you need to, or skip this episode entirely if it feels like too much right now.If this conversation brings anything up for you, support is available:Ireland: Samaritans — 116 123 (24/7)Contact your GP or local mental health servicesInternational listeners: please seek crisis or mental health support services in your own countryYou don't have to go through this alone.After the Flowers – Grief Support MembershipIf this episode has resonated with you, I've recently opened a gentle support space called After the Flowers, a low-cost monthly membership for people navigating grief in all its forms.It's a place to connect with other people who understand, take part in group conversations and live Zoom support calls, and access sessions designed to support the nervous system through grief, including breath work, meditation, EFT, and grounding practices. Members also receive exclusive access to podcast video episdoes and conversations.There's no pressure it's simply there if and when it feels right for you. You can join herehttps://after-the-flowers.circle.so/checkout/after-the-flowers-membership

This week's episode is a catch-up conversation with previous guest Sophia Murphy where we reflect on how she has navigated Christmas and the months since we last spoke.Sophia's grief journey is complex and deeply personal. In this episode, she speaks about surviving childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father, the long-term impact that trauma has had on her life, and the work she has done around healing. She also shares her experience of engaging in restorative justice, including visiting her father in prison to confront the past, and how this process has supported her own recovery.This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about trauma, survival, and the different paths people take toward healing. We also reference our previous episode together which listeners may wish to revisit for further context. Just search for Family Flowers Only with Sophia Murphy.⚠️ Content notice: This episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and trauma, which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening.For those looking for ongoing support, I've created a private membership space called After the Flowers. Join here - https://after-the-flowers.circle.so/checkout/after-the-flowers-membershipTo hear more from Sophia her own podcast is called "Having the chats with Peter and Sophia" and you can find that wherever you get your podcasts

This week I sit down with Charlotte Finn, who speaks openly about losing her dad Michael to oesophageal cancer. Charlotte was just 13 when her dad was diagnosed and 14 when he died. Now 19 she reflects back on that time with remarkable honesty and insight.Charlotte shares what it was like to be a teenager watching a parent become ill and how even knowing he was sick she never truly believed he would die. She speaks about the shock of losing him so young, the way grief showed up during her teenage years and how that loss has shaped who she is today.It's a powerful conversation that offers a rare and important perspective on parental loss through the eyes of a young person.For more information on joining our membership please visit www.griefireland.com

This week I sit down with Edel Killilea for an incredibly moving and emotional conversation. Edel's story is one of huge love and immense loss.She speaks about loosing her baby daughter Sienna who was born with a heart condition and lived for just a few precious days. In the months that followed Edel also lost her baby nephew who lived for only one day and later her brother Kevin to cancer.At the heart of this episode is Edel's story of true love with her husband John who was diagnosed with a rare form of Parkinson's known as MSA. Edel speaks so beautifully about the life they shared, the pure character he was, and the indescribable ache of loosing her soulmate.Edel also shared some of her incredible poetry, her therapy and coping mechanism. She closed the episode by reading one of her own poems and holding little "Sienna bunny" a teddy who was on her lap the whole time.For more information about Grief retreats and the "After the Flowers" Membership coming soon visit www.griefireland.com

This week join me from my home for a solo episode! I wanted to be with you this New Year's Eve to highlight how hard the day can be while navigating grief. As this year comes to an end I also wanted to share a couple of touching voice notes from listeners and past guests. This really feels like a community here and Im just so grateful to be with you all each week as you walk this difficult road.Thank you all so much for listening and for sharing. I will see you all on Sunday with another episode. Kathie xFor more information on the upcoming membership join the mailing list on www.griefireland.com

I caught up remotely with Eimear and Alan who I recorded a full episode with back in April. They spoke so honestly about the devastation of loosing their precious daughter Keeley and today we caught up about how they have been since the podcast aired, how different their Christmas now looks, what they do to honour and celebrate Keeley around Christmas and just reflections on Grief in general. I do hope this conversation will help those who are struggling today x

This week I sit down with Clara Gardiner who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger sister Jemma. Jemma lived with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and while she was a bright, bubbly, and deeply loved girl, her death following a medical procedure came as a devastating shock. She died from sepsis.Clara speaks openly about how misunderstood her sister's passing was and how that added another layer of pain to their loss. She also shares her own experience of grief, the numbness, the fear of not being able to cry or feel anything at all, and the realisation that grief doesn't always look the way we expect it to.It's a deeply honest conversation about sibling loss, love, and learning to trust your own way of grieving.For more information on grief retreats and support, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I sit down with Peter Shelley who shares the heartbreaking story of losing his baby daughter Aodhla suddenly at just eight weeks old to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).Peter speaks honestly about the shock of that loss, the devastation that followed, and what it's like to grieve the death of a child as a parent particularly from a father's perspective. We talk about how grief can look different for mums and dads, the silence men often carry, and the importance of speaking openly about their pain.Peter now hosts his own podcast Dads Don't Cry continuing the conversation around grief and childloss.

This week I sit down with Hazellynn Doyle, who speaks so openly about the devastating loss of her dad Derek.He died instantly in a tragic road accident when a HGV lorry made a left-hand turn while he was cycling home from work a week before Christmas.Hazel shares the shock of that day, the grief that followed, and the pain of not being able to say goodbye as his coffin had to remain closed. Her honesty, love, and strength shine through every part of this conversation.For more information on grief retreats and support, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I sit down with Shannon Gallagher who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her partner Eoin to suicide. Shannon speaks with incredible honesty about the shock and trauma of the day she found him and the profound impact that moment has had on her life.She opens up about the PTSD that followed, the fear in the early days, and the long difficult road of trying to understand a loss that can never fully make sense.It's a deeply emotional and courageous conversation, shining a light on the reality so many people live with behind closed doors and the importance of compassion, support, and speaking openly about mental health.For more information on grief retreats and support, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I'm joined by Kitty Maguire who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her mam Jo on Christmas Eve. Jo was on her way to Kitty's house when a drunk driver hit her car and killed her instantly.At a time of year that's already so emotional for so many Kitty speaks with incredible honesty about the shock of that night, the grief that follows a sudden death, and the empty space her mam has left behind every day since.In this episode in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority, we also talk about the devastating impact of drunk driving and the lives changed forever by one decision behind the wheel.For more information on grief retreats and workshops please visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I sit down with Matthew Malley from Donegal, who has lived through more loss than most will ever face. Matthew lost his father before he was even born, then his brother Francis to suicide, and later his mother Tessie to dementia leaving him as the only one remaining from his immediate family.In our conversation Matthew speaks openly about going silent after losing his brother believing he had to “just get on with it.” He shares how damaging that silence became and why reaching out talking and seeking support is so important.It's an honest, powerful episode with a message that so many people need to hear.For more information on grief retreats, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week, Family Flowers Only is shining a light on Lines of Enquiry, a gripping new Irish true crime podcast presented by retired Garda detective John Sweetman. Each episode takes listeners inside the work of the Garda Technical Bureau, showing how real investigations are built from the ground up. It's detailed, compelling, and grounded in the realities of what happens behind the headlines. If you're looking for a true crime show with substance and heart, this is the one to start.https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EzGXohKAgAo9iu9ADiHgU?si=g9f6uACxRTWuHJi069w2qg

This week, I sit down with Niamh McGuinness who shares the heartbreaking story of her son Jamie who was tragically murdered in April 2023.In this powerful and deeply emotional conversation, Niamh speaks about the unimaginable pain of losing a child in such violent circumstances. She opens up about the ripple effect of male-on-male violence, the stigma that still surrounds it, and the devastating reality faced by families left behind.We also speak about the court process, the search for justice, and the strength it takes to keep going when life has been forever changed.⚠️ Please note: this episode contains discussion of violent loss, trauma, and grief that some listeners may find distressing.For more information on grief retreats and support, visit www.griefireland.com

This week I sit down with Victoria Kirk, known to many online as @thisenglishhome whose beautiful home and DIY projects inspire thousands.But behind her calm and creative world lies a story of deep loss. Victoria spoke to me about losing her dad to suicide when she was young and the heartbreak, and complexity that came with it. She also shared her experience of living with endometriosis and the grief of multiple miscarriages.It's a powerful and emotional conversation about love, loss, and the courage to keep rebuilding in every sense of the word.For more information on grief retreats, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I sit down with Valerie O'Donnell a woman whose story is both heartbreaking and profoundly moving. Valerie lost both her husband David and her son Darren to suicide.In this deeply honest conversation Valerie speaks about how her life changed after their deaths, the layers of loss, the moments of understanding, and the unimaginable difference between losing a partner and losing a child.It's a raw, brave, and deeply human episode one that reminds us how vital compassion, awareness, and support are for those living with such pain.The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the guest and reflect her personal perspective. They are not statements of fact about any other individual or family. The conversation is shared for the purpose of understanding and awareness around grief and loss.For more information on grief retreats, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I sit down with Meagan Johnston who shares the heartbreaking story of her sister Aoife Johnston. Aoife died from Sepsis after being left to wait over sixteen hours in the emergency department at Limerick Hospital despite being triaged as needing to be seen within fifteen minutes.Meagan speaks with courage about the shock and devastation of her family's loss, the ongoing fight for answers, and the lasting impact of what happened. She also reflects on the inquest process and the change she hopes will come so that no other family has to endure the same pain.It's an emotional and powerful conversation about loss, accountability, and love.For more information about Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

This week, I've teamed up once again with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to share an important conversation about the lasting impact of road tragedies.I sit down with Jacinta McIntyre, who lost her sister Sarah in a car crash caused by a careless driver. Sarah was a passenger in the car which claimed the life of the young girl and the driver, a mum of 7 children. Sarah's death changed Jacinta's life forever.More than two decades later Jacinta speaks about the grief that never leaves, the ripples of loss that touch every part of a family, and her hope that sharing Sarah's story might help save others from the same heartbreak.For more information on Road Safety visit WWW.RSA.IEFor more information on Grief Retreats visit WWW.GRIEFIRELAND.COM

This week I sit down with Caitlin Beckett who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her dad Keith suddenly. He was her whole world, her best friend, her biggest supporter, and the person she could always turn to.Caitlin speaks honestly about the shock of his death, the guilt she carries knowing he was alone when he passed, and the dark days that followed. It's a deeply emotional and powerful conversation about love, loss, and the pain of trying to move forward when your world has changed forever.

This week I sit down with Shauna Bohan, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her fiancé Benny, who died suddenly in front of her. Shauna speaks with raw honesty about the grief of losing the person who was her whole world and about the loneliness that followed.We also have one of the most open and powerful conversations I've ever had about mental health. Shauna talks about the darkness she faced, the weight of it all, and how she found the strength to climb back out of that hole.This is a deeply moving episode one that will resonate with anyone who has faced the unimaginable and struggled to keep going.For more information on Grief retreats visit www.griefireland.com

This week I sit down with Darragh O'Neill who speaks with honesty and courage about the loss of his sister Ella. At just 21, Ella was vibrant and full of life, but her death by suicide came as a devastating shock to her family.Darragh shares openly about the aftermath of her passing , the grief, the change, and how isolating it can feel when people don't fully understand. His words offer an important insight into the impact of loss, especially for young people navigating grief.For more information on THE GRIEF WORKSHOP visit www.griefireland.com

This week I sit down with Althea Griffin who shares her deeply moving story of losing both of her parents at a very young age. By just 15 she had already faced unimaginable grief carrying the weight of loss and trying to find her way in the world without them.It's an honest and powerful conversation that I think so many will connect with, and one that sheds light on how children grieve and can feel so different in a world with no parents.For more information on the Grief Workshop tickets are now available on www.griefireland.com

This week on Family Flowers Only, I've partnered with the Road Safety Authority to highlight the dangers of drink driving.My guest is Laura Hynes who shares her heartbreaking story of being in a car crash caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Four people were in that car and two lost their lives including Laura's boyfriend Brendan.Laura speaks with honesty about the devastation of that night, the grief that followed, and the lasting impact of losing Brendan in such a sudden and preventable way. It's a powerful reminder of the lives shattered by drink driving, and why these conversations matter.For more information on the Road Safety Authority please visit https://www.rsa.ie/For more information on THE GRIEF WORKSHOP please visit www.griefireland.com

This week I sit down with Abaigéal Warfield who shares her moving story of love and loss from a very young age. Abaigéal never knew her father growing up but when she reconnected with him at 16 they built a beautiful relationship. After that she experienced a truly deep loss when her mum Sinead died by suicide while still in her 40s. And sadly in time Abaigéal would also loose her dad Gerry to cancer also.She speaks honestly about the impact of grief in its many forms, how it has shaped her life, and the different ways loss can be carried. Abaigéal also shares some of her own poetry, powerful words that bring comfort, honesty, and connection for anyone navigating grief. You can find Abaigéal on Instagram @poetry_by_abaigeal and you can also buy her poetry book directly from this link here https://abaigeal-warfield.sumupstore.com/product/sea-of-grief-bookletVisit www.griefireland.com for more information on upcoming Grief Retreats

This week, I sit down with PJ Haverty, who shares his powerful story of being born in the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam in the 1950s. PJ's mother was sent there after becoming pregnant out of wedlock, and despite coming back every week for over five years, the nuns refused to return her little boy to her.Fostered out, PJ grew up carrying the loss of his mother, a wound that shaped his life. In time he began to search for his birth mother but alongside the love he had for her came anger and grief for what had been stolen from them both.This conversation shines a light on the deep impact of the Mother and Baby Homes, and on PJ's journey of loss, love, and survival.*Very brief mention of abuse For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

This week on Family Flowers Only , I sit down with Helen Groarke . Helen speaks so openly about the devastating loss of her mum Ada to COPD, a woman she described as her best friend. Just two weeks later, her dad Phelim who had lived with bipolar all his life attempted to take his own life. Helen also shares the challenges that followed, from her son being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition to experiencing miscarriage. Through it all, she has carried immense strength, honesty, and love. Thank you to this episodes supporters Feeling stuck in your body? Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you’re ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial. Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas. 💚 Sign up here: ⁠⁠⁠https://coach.everfit.io/package/QJ743362⁠⁠⁠ 🎙️ This episode was brought to you and recorded at GK Media Studio. They also offer a beautiful Legacy Package where you can record your own personal or family podcast, capture memories with a loved one, or tell your story in your own words.They can even travel to you. 📼 Learn more here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy⁠⁠⁠ For more information on Grief Retreats visit ⁠⁠⁠www.griefireland.com⁠⁠⁠

This week, I sit down with 17-year-old Niamh Ruane a remarkable young woman whose wisdom and honesty left me in awe. At just 15, Niamh lost her dad to pancreatic cancer, nine months after his diagnosis. Less than 10 months later, her younger sister Roisin was diagnosed with cancer too. As her mum had to care for her sister in Crumlin Hospital Dublin , Niamh had to stay at home with her younger brother, navigating grief, loneliness, and the absence of both parents in the house. She speaks so openly about saying goodbye to her dad, the silence that follows, and the way loss changes everything, especially for someone so young. This conversation is raw, moving, and will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the weight of grief at a young age. You can find Niamh on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/niamhruane89?igsh=cXBxMHgwZnRyY3J3 Thank you to this episodes supporters Feeling stuck in your body? Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you’re ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial. Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas. 💚 Sign up here: ⁠⁠https://coach.everfit.io/package/QJ743362⁠⁠ 🎙️ This episode was brought to you and recorded at GK Media Studio. They also offer a beautiful Legacy Package where you can record your own personal or family podcast, capture memories with a loved one, or tell your story in your own words.They can even travel to you. 📼 Learn more here: ⁠⁠https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy⁠⁠ For more information on Grief Retreats visit ⁠⁠www.griefireland.com⁠⁠

This week, I sat down with Dermot Joyce, who shared the deeply moving story of loosing his wife Audrey to cancer.Dermot speaks so honestly about walking the cancer journey by her side, the fear, the fight, and the heartbreak. He opens up about their son Jack, who was just 8 at the time, and the pain of helping him understand what was happening to his mum and how that honesty has helped Jack to be so open in turn.A raw, emotional, and truly honest conversation from an ordinary man going through something no family should have to face.Thank you to this episodes supportersFeeling stuck in your body? Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you're ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial.Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas.

This week, I sat down with Dermot Joyce , who shared the deeply moving story of loosing his wife Audrey to cancer. Dermot speaks so honestly about walking the cancer journey by her side, the fear, the fight, and the heartbreak. He opens up about their son Jack , who was just 8 at the time, and the pain of helping him understand what was happening to his mum and how that honesty has helped Jack to be so open in turn. A raw, emotional, and truly honest conversation from an ordinary man going through something no family should have to face. Thank you to this episodes supporters Feeling stuck in your body? Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you're ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial. Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas. 💚 Sign up here: ⁠https://coach.everfit.io/package/QJ743362⁠ 🎙️ This episode was brought to you and recorded at GK Media Studio. They also offer a beautiful Legacy Package where you can record your own personal or family podcast, capture memories with a loved one, or tell your story in your own words.They can even travel to you. 📼 Learn more here: ⁠https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy⁠ For more information on Grief Retreats visit ⁠www.griefireland.com⁠

This week, I sat down with Chris O'Connor, who shared the heartbreaking loss of his dad, James O'Connor who died while attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro on the morning of his 40th birthday.Chris is just 17, still in school, but speaks with a depth and honesty that left me completely in awe of him. He talks about the pressure to stay strong, the anger that built up in the aftermath, and how healing it's been to finally open up and speak about his grief.He also shares the deep love he has for his dad, the man who introduced him to running, supported him through everything, and shaped so much of who he is today.This is a powerful and moving conversation about love, loss, and the strength it takes to keep going. One you should get your teenagers to listen to and one we can all learn so much from ourselves.You can follow Chris' journey on Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisoconnAnd Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/christopher.oconn?igsh=MW93cGJkdmlvaGNtdQ==Feeling stuck in your body?Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you're ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial.Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas.

This week, I sat down with Chris O’Connor , who shared the heartbreaking loss of his dad, James O'Connor who died while attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro on the morning of his 40th birthday. Chris is just 17, still in school, but speaks with a depth and honesty that left me completely in awe of him. He talks about the pressure to stay strong, the anger that built up in the aftermath, and how healing it’s been to finally open up and speak about his grief. He also shares the deep love he has for his dad, the man who introduced him to running, supported him through everything, and shaped so much of who he is today. This is a powerful and moving conversation about love, loss, and the strength it takes to keep going. One you should get your teenagers to listen to and one we can all learn so much from ourselves. You can follow Chris' journey on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisoconn And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.oconn?igsh=MW93cGJkdmlvaGNtdQ== Feeling stuck in your body? Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you’re ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial. Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas. 💚 Sign up here: https://coach.everfit.io/package/QJ743362 🎙️ This episode was recorded at GK Media Studio. They also offer a beautiful Legacy Package where you can record your own personal or family podcast, capture memories with a loved one, or tell your story in your own words. They can even travel to you. 📼 Learn more here: https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

This week, I sit down with Ann Higgins, a woman who has known profound love and deep loss throughout her life. Anne shares her journey from losing her brother and mother, to the heartbreak of miscarriage and failed IVF. But at the heart of her story is the incredible bond she formed with a young boy in her class while working as a teacher.He was living in residential care, and Anne and her husband felt an instant connection. What followed was a long and difficult road to foster and eventually care for him permanently, becoming a family in every sense of the word. Their story captured the hearts of the nation when they appeared on Room to Improve, but tragedy struck again when he suffered a traumatic injury and passed away.Ann speaks with honesty, warmth, and strength about grief, motherhood, and what it means to give your whole heart to someone, no matter how long you get to love them.For more information about Grief Retreats visit ⁠www.griefireland.com⁠For more information on recording your own personal podcast as a keepsake for family friends etc contact GK MEDIA on Instagram or here⁠https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy

This week, I sit down with Ann Higgins , a woman who has known profound love and deep loss throughout her life. Anne shares her journey from losing her brother and mother, to the heartbreak of miscarriage and failed IVF. But at the heart of her story is the incredible bond she formed with a young boy in her class while working as a teacher. He was living in residential care, and Anne and her husband felt an instant connection. What followed was a long and difficult road to foster and eventually care for him permanently, becoming a family in every sense of the word. Their story captured the hearts of the nation when they appeared on Room to Improve , but tragedy struck again when he suffered a traumatic injury and passed away. Ann speaks with honesty, warmth, and strength about grief, motherhood, and what it means to give your whole heart to someone, no matter how long you get to love them. For more information about Grief Retreats visit ⁠ www.griefireland.com ⁠ For more information on recording your own personal podcast as a keepsake for family friends etc contact GK MEDIA on Instagram or here ⁠ https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy

This week, I sat down with Laura Craine, the founder of With Love and Dreams, a beautiful creative business that helps people honour their loved ones through memorial jewellery and flower preservation. Laura is a resin artist who works with cremated remains, funeral flowers, and other deeply personal items to create meaningful keepsakes for those who are grieving.Laura also shares her own story of loss, having experienced the death of 3 of her grandparents within six months. She speaks especially about the bond she shared with her granddad, Harry, and how his passing shaped her understanding of grief and deepened her empathy for the people she now supports through her work.It's a conversation about memory, legacy, and the creative ways we carry love forward.This episode is kindly brought to you by GK Media.For more information on their legacy video and podcast service please visit them here https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacyFor more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.comYou can find Laura @with love and dreams

This week, I sat down with Laura Cra ine , the founder of With Love and Dreams, a beautiful creative business that helps people honour their loved ones through memorial jewellery and flower preservation. Laura is a resin artist who works with cremated remains, funeral flowers, and other deeply personal items to create meaningful keepsakes for those who are grieving. Laura also shares her own story of loss, having experienced the death of 3 of her grandparents within six months. She speaks especially about the bond she shared with her granddad, Harry, and how his passing shaped her understanding of grief and deepened her empathy for the people she now supports through her work. It’s a conversation about memory, legacy, and the creative ways we carry love forward. This episode is kindly brought to you by GK Media. For more information on their legacy video and podcast service please visit them here https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com You can find Laura @with love and dreams

This week, I sit down with Orla Clancy, who shares the story of losing both of her parents, her mum Christina and her dad Noel. Orla was just 13 when her mother died suddenly, a loss that shaped her teenage years. In the years that followed, her relationship with her dad grew incredibly strong as he raised her through life's hardest and most formative moments.Then, at just 29, Orla faced another devastating loss when her dad became unwell and passed away from cancer.This is a story of grief, love, and the deep bond between a daughter and her parents especially the connection that forms when a parent becomes your whole world.For more information about Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.comFor more information on recording your own personal podcast as a keepsake for family friends etc contact GK MEDIA on Instagram or herehttps://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy

This week, I sit down with Orla Clancy , who shares the story of losing both of her parents, her mum Christina and her dad Noel. Orla was just 13 when her mother died suddenly, a loss that shaped her teenage years. In the years that followed, her relationship with her dad grew incredibly strong as he raised her through life’s hardest and most formative moments. Then, at just 29, Orla faced another devastating loss when her dad became unwell and passed away from cancer. This is a story of grief, love, and the deep bond between a daughter and her parents especially the connection that forms when a parent becomes your whole world. For more information about Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com For more information on recording your own personal podcast as a keepsake for family friends etc contact GK MEDIA on Instagram or here https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy

This week, I sit down with Sequana O'Brien, a young woman who has lived through an extraordinary amount of loss and hardship in just a few short years. In 2022, her mother passed away from stage 4 cancer. Just two weeks later, her sister entered a devastating psychosis and, after a long and painful struggle, also passed away six months to the day after their mum. At the same time, Sequana was trying to care for her unwell father, all while studying for her Leaving Cert.It's a story of unimaginable grief, but also one of strength, love, and quiet resilience. Sequana shares it all with such honesty and grace.You can find Sequana @Sequana_make upThis episode is kindly brought to you by GK Media.For more information on their legacy video and podcast service please visit them here https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacyFor more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

This week, I sit down with Sequana O’Brien , a young woman who has lived through an extraordinary amount of loss and hardship in just a few short years. In 2022, her mother passed away from stage 4 cancer. Just two weeks later, her sister entered a devastating psychosis and, after a long and painful struggle, also passed away six months to the day after their mum. At the same time, Sequana was trying to care for her unwell father, all while studying for her Leaving Cert. It’s a story of unimaginable grief, but also one of strength, love, and quiet resilience. Sequana shares it all with such honesty and grace. You can find Sequana @Sequana_make up This episode is kindly brought to you by GK Media. For more information on their legacy video and podcast service please visit them here https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

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

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.com This 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/@familyflowersonly Instagram 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 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 @KirstyForde For tickets and more information about our Grief Workshop in Dublin Oct 19th please visit www.griefireland.com Follow us on TikTok @familyflowersonly https://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

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.com For 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/

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/