Dads Don't Cry

In this emotional episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Craig shares the story of his son Luca, a deeply loved third child who changed their family forever.What began with hope and excitement became a journey shaped by love, courage, and unimaginable heartbreak. Craig reflects on the precious moments spent with Luca, the joy of family visits, and the quiet memories that now mean everything.He opens up about grief as a father, the dreams that never came to be, the weight of the “what ifs,” and what it means to love your child when time is heartbreakingly short.Through family, community, sport, and remembrance, Luca’s presence continues to shape Craig’s life.A gentle, honest reminder that love never leaves - and that no matter how short the time, the bond between a father and his son is forever. 🤍The song that see's out this episode is called "Safe with the Stars", written by a friend of Craigs for Luca.

“Be strong.”“Hold it together.”“Don’t cry.”For many fathers, grief is something they’re expected to carry in silence.In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, I’m joined by bereavement therapist Peter Hanlon for a raw and compassionate conversation about loss, fatherhood, and what happens when pain can’t be fixed.We explore how dads truly cope with grief, how to support grieving children with honesty, how relationships are impacted after the loss of a child, why community matters, and why healing doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on.If you’re grieving, feeling numb, or simply trying to get through the day, this episode is for you.Peter closes out the episode with a piece he wrote for the Little Lifetime Foundation Christmas Remembrance Mass.The piano piece at the very end of the episode was created in Aodhla’s memory by friend and listener Elizabeth Henry.

In this powerful episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Lar shares his son Oscar’s story, from the joy of early childhood to the subtle signs that led to a devastating DIPG diagnosis. He reflects on protecting Oscar’s innocence, creating magical memories, and facing the crushing silence that followed. From unimaginable grief came purpose: the creation of Oscar’s Kids, a charity to honour Oscars’s spirit and bring comfort, hope, and support to families walking a similar path. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on love, loss, resilience, and the enduring legacy of one extraordinary little boy.

In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, we sit with Linda - mam to the beautiful EmmaRose, whose brief but powerful life forever changed her family’s world. Linda walks us through her journey with raw honesty and quiet strength.From childhood sweethearts to the wonder of an unexpected pregnancy, she shares the joy, fear, and awe that shaped the early days of her motherhood. A single butterfly becomes a fateful symbol as innocence is lost, and Linda opens up about navigating grief while trying to make impossible, practical decisions.She recounts the quiet arrival and heartbreaking farewell of EmmaRose and the aching hope to grow their family again. We hear a father’s grief too - the loss of future dreams, the silence, and the pain that often goes unspoken.Another butterfly appears as a guide toward hope, leading to the arrival of their son, Adam. Linda reflects on how her life shifted from Montessori classrooms to a new way of seeing the world - one shaped by love, loss, and purpose.This episode is tender, courageous, and a reminder that no one walks through grief alone.

This week on Dads Don’t Cry, I’m joined by Tony - proud dad to Arthur.Tony opens up about the overwhelming joy of becoming a father for the first time, and the incredible strength he and Claire found in the Ringsend community during one of the most difficult times of their lives. He talks about the early days of navigating grief, the importance of honest conversations, and how connection with others became a lifeline.We dive into the beginnings of Féileacáin Fathers, the support group Tony helped build for bereaved dads. What started as a small circle has now grown into a nationwide community with more than 100 fathers across all 26 counties - a space where men can share, listen, and support each other with real vulnerability.Tony also reflects on how his family lovingly celebrates Arthur’s birthday each year, keeping his memory woven into their lives in meaningful and joyful ways.It’s a heartfelt, honest, and deeply inspiring conversation about fatherhood, loss, healing, and community - one you won’t want to miss.