The Grief Pod

On September 26th 2007, Bray Firefighter Brian Murray was killed tragically in the line of duty, alongside his colleague Mark O’Shaughnessy . Brian was 46, and Mark was 26.

On what would have been his 65th birthday, Brian’s son, Brian, talks about the unspeakable tragedy that unfolded that day, the controversy that followed and why, in his role now as a firefighter he wants to ensure both his Dad, and Mark are never forgotten.

In several of the episodes of The Grief Pod, guests have shared their stories of how the deaths of their loved ones, have inspired them to help others. In this episode, Rebecca Sheridan talks about ‘Gerri’s Place’ the retreat she founded in memory of her Mum, Gerri, who she lost in 2019.

After her mum died, Rebecca realised that she hadn’t got the care she actually needed prior to her passing, and how things could have been different had she had the right support, at the right time. A incredibly vibrant, funny and infectious personality often hid the struggles Gerri went through, and the retreat offers hope to those who also need a little bit of quiet.

In this episode of The Grief Pod, TV and Radio presenter and best selling author, Andrea Hayes talks about the many layers of grief and loss that has infiltrated her life. From the deaths of her Dad and cousin, to multiple miscarriages, while also witnessing the many bereavements suffered by her Mum.

As a member of The Bethany Bereavement Group, Andrea explains how coming across the charity helped her navigate her multiple losses, and in turn inspired her to help others. Andrea also discusses the many forms of loss, and the beautiful analogy that ‘Grief is like glitter’

DJ and Radio Presenter, Andy Preston lost his little sister Elaine aged 14, from a heart condition, which had been misdiagnosed as Asthma. In the years that followed, he lost both his Mum and Dad, who had adopted him at birth and his close friend, Tony.

In this episode of The Grief Pod, Andy talks about the life altering impact Elaine’s death had on his parents, how his relationship changed with them afterwards, the importance of second chances and his growing connection with his birth family.

National Grief Awareness Week is now in its 6th year, it’s run by The Irish Hospice Foundation to help send the message that you are not alone in your grief. This year NGAW focuses on the many different ways we can be aware and support those going through a bereavement and especially those navigating grief in the workplace.

Amy Gibney, National Grief in the workplace lead at The Irish Hospice Foundation is this weeks guest on The Grief Pod.