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.
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Family Flowers Only recommends Lines of Enquiry
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
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Family Flowers Only with Niamh McGuinness
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
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Family Flowers Only with Victoria Kirk
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.
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Family Flowers Only with Valerie O'Donnell
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.
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.
Ireland