Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland 682p6i

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.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 through tapping, breath work and just a beautiful calming presence. Her work has brought her into close 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 ing 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 ed 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_everglow For 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 ed 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 to children on palliative care and their families. Their story is one of love, heartbreak, and the unbreakable bond of family. Instagram @Keeleydfoundation @griefireland For 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 visit https://alzheimer.ie/ For Tickets to our Grief and Wellness Retreats please visit www.griefireland.com Follow 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. is available: Pieta House – 1800 247 247 / Text HELP to 51444 Samaritans Ireland – 116 123 (24/7 free helpline) Aware (for depression & anxiety) – 1800 80 48 48 Your Mental Health (HSE ) – Call 50808 or visit yourmentalhealth.ie Please 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 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 ed 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 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 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 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. s: https://anamcara.ie/ ing 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