Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland

This week I sit down with Andrea Gilligan, well-known broadcaster and host of Lunchtime Live on Newstalk for a deeply personal conversation about the loss of her dad Gerry.
Andrea speaks about the incredibly close bond they shared, not just as father and daughter, but as genuine friends. She reflects on his cancer diagnosis, the heartbreak of losing him, and the profound impact his death had on her life.
With honesty, and her trademark openness, Andrea shares what grief has taught her, the ways her dad passing has changed her and the reality of learning to live without someone who was such a huge part of her world.
This is a heartfelt conversation about parent loss, love, friendship, and the enduring connection that remains after someone is gone.

This week, I sit down with Elliot Gannon, who shares the life and loss of his son Rí, who was born with SMA Type 1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy).
Elliot speaks about the long and complex journey that followed Rí's diagnosis, the hospital stays, medical challenges, uncertainty, and the precious time they had together as a family. But at the heart of this conversation is not just loss, but love.
He speaks beautifully about the extraordinary gift Rí brought to his life, the lessons he taught him, and how his son completely changed his understanding of what truly matters. Elliot reflects on grief not as something to be feared, but as something precious, a reflection of deep love and connection.
This is a powerful conversation about parenthood, perspective, love, loss, and finding meaning in the most difficult circumstances.

Every year I think its so important to give back. We never know when we will need the help. I just wanted to ask the listeners if they'd like to give a small donation if they have found the podcast helpful in anyway its a nice way to do a good deed for a worthy cause.
If you feel compelled it would be so so SO appreciated.
You can see the cause and do so here -->
https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/15491/5km-a-day-for-may-for-graham-lee/
Thank you
Kathie

This week I sit down with Hannah Kelly, who shares the loss of her mum and the complex grief that surrounded their relationship.
For much of Hannah’s life it was just the two of them. Her father left when she was very young, and she and her mum navigated life side by side. But as the years went on their relationship became more complicated. Hannah speaks openly about her mum becoming increasingly isolated, the strain that put on their connection, and the difficult reality of grieving parts of that relationship while her mum was still alive.
When her mum later died suddenly from a heart attack, Hannah was left carrying not only the grief of losing her, but also the grief of everything that had happened before.
This is a deeply honest conversation about complicated relationships, anticipatory grief, love, and the reality that grief is not always straightforward. Hannah shares her story with remarkable openness and vulnerability offering comfort to anyone navigating the loss of a parent where the relationship wasn't perfect, but the love was still there.
To donate to our fundraiser please visit here https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/15491/5km-a-day-for-may-for-graham-lee/

This week I sit down with Patrick Maloney from Kerry for a conversation that explores loss in a very different way.
While we still speak deeply about grief, this episode moves beyond bereavement and into the loss of identity, the years lost to addiction, and the impact that struggle can have on relationships, family, and self-worth. Patrick speaks openly about his experiences as a young man battling addiction, and the painful distance it created between himself and his son.
This is a deeply honest and moving conversation about shame, recovery, healing, and what it means to try and rebuild a life after losing so much of yourself along the way.
Patrick’s story offers powerful insight into addiction, vulnerability, and the importance of compassion both for ourselves and for others who may be struggling quietly.