Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland

Psychology & Relationships

About

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...

Episodes

  • Family Flowers Only with Kathleen Barrett

    Kathleen Barrett discusses the sudden loss of her husband, Ned, and her journey through grief. She shares her belief in an enduring connection beyond loss and finding comfort in signs and continued love.

  • Family Flowers Only with Des O'Donnell

    Des O'Donnell discusses the sudden and devastating loss of his wife, Terri, after 40 years of marriage. He shares the traumatic experience of the immediate aftermath, including performing CPR and facing suspicion due to the circumstances o…

  • Family Flowers Only with Megan Kelly

    Megan Kelly shares her experience with the loss of her brother and mother to suicide. She discusses navigating profound grief, mental health, and the impact of these complex circumstances.

  • Family Flowers Only with Lauren Golden

    Clinical psychotherapist Lauren Golden discusses the loss of her brother, Daniel, who died by suicide. She shares insights on navigating grief while drawing on her personal experiences and professional background in mental health.

  • Family Flowers Only with Dympna Little

    Dympna Little joins this episode to discuss the loss of her mother, Lily. She reflects on her mother’s impact, the experience of grief, and how she balances humor with the emotional realities of loss.

  • Family Flowers Only with Lauren Keaney

    Lauren Keaney discusses the sudden and violent loss of her brother Thomas, who died in Australia. The conversation focuses on the shock, pain, and injustice of losing a sibling by another's actions and learning to cope with such a tragedy.

  • Family Flowers Only with Sarita Egan

    Sarita Egan joins the Family Flowers Only podcast to share her experience of losing her husband, Mark, to suicide following his struggle with mental health and steroid use. She discusses the impact of his death on their family and the comp…

  • Family Flowers Only with Brittany Dowling

    Brittany Dowling joins the podcast to share the story of losing her husband, Danny, to SUDEP at age 36. She discusses the shock of his sudden death, navigating motherhood as a widow, and the importance of support systems.

  • Family Flowers Only with Joanna McNulty

    Joanna McNulty discusses the recent loss of her father, Joachim McNulty, who died in a car accident at a slippery pier in Mayo. She shares her experience of early grief and is advocating for improved safety and maintenance at piers across…

  • Family Flowers Only with Rachel Gotto

    Rachel Gotto, a trauma coach and clinical hypnotherapist, discusses her personal experiences with loss, including the death of her husband and brother, and her work supporting others through grief and trauma. The episode offers insights in…

  • Family Flowers Only with Tommy Martin

    Tommy Martin shares the traumatic loss of his brother and father, detailing the shock of his brother's sudden death, his attempts at CPR, and the lasting impact. The conversation explores sibling and father loss, complicated grief, and the…

  • Family Flowers Only with Zöe Williams

    Zöe Williams joins the podcast to discuss the loss of her 27-year-old brother, Lee, to cancer. She reflects on their sibling bond, the impact of his early death, and how she has navigated the period of grief that followed.

  • Family Flowers Only with Lyn Kennedy

    In this episode, host Lyn Kennedy discusses her personal experiences with two types of loss: the death of her father by suicide following his struggle with depression, and her journey through seven years of secondary infertility.

  • Family Flowers Only with Evan Daly

    In this episode, Evan Daly shares his experience of losing his father to cholangiocarcinoma and discusses the personal challenges of navigating grief, including feeling disconnected from oneself. He also discusses how routine, movement, an…

  • Family Flowers Only with Roz McElwee

    Roz McElwee joins the podcast to discuss her personal experiences with the loss of her mother to cancer, as well as her journey through baby loss, fertility struggles, miscarriage, and surrogacy. The conversation highlights managing grief…

  • Family Flowers Only with Ailbhe O'Donnell

    Ailbhe O'Donnell joins host of Family Flowers Only to discuss her experiences with loss, mental health struggles, and family estrangement. The conversation focuses on grief, survival, and the process of rebuilding self-worth and resilience.

  • Family Flowers Only with Sophia Murphy (Catch Up)

    In this episode of Family Flowers Only, host and guest Sophia Murphy discuss her grief journey, the impact of childhood trauma, and her experience with restorative justice. They reflect on her path toward healing since their previous conve…

  • Family Flowers Only with Charlotte Finn

    Charlotte Finn discusses her experience losing her father to oesophageal cancer when she was 14 years old. She reflects on how navigating grief as a teenager has shaped her perspective and identity.

  • Family Flowers Only with Edel Killilea

    Edel Killilea shares her experience with grief, discussing the loss of her daughter, nephew, and brother, as well as caring for her late husband, John. She also explores poetry as a coping mechanism during this episode of Family Flowers On…

  • Family Flowers Only for you the Listeners

    This solo episode of Family Flowers Only focuses on the challenges of grief on New Year's Eve. Host Kathie shares touching voice notes from listeners and past guests, expressing gratitude for the community's support.

  • Family Flowers Catch Up with Eimear and Alan Durnan

    Eimear and Alan share their ongoing journey with grief and how they commemorate their daughter Keeley, especially around the Christmas season. They reflect on their experiences since their initial podcast recording.

  • Family Flowers Only with Clara Gardiner

    Clara Gardiner discusses the loss of her younger sister Jemma, who died from sepsis after a medical procedure. Clara shares her journey through grief, including feelings of numbness and the realization that grief is not always expressed as…

  • Family Flowers Only with Peter Shelley

    Peter Shelley discusses the loss of his baby daughter to SIDS, exploring the devastation and unique challenges of grieving as a father. He highlights the differences in grief between genders and advocates for men to openly discuss their pa…

  • Family Flowers Only with Hazellynn Doyle

    Hazellynn Doyle discusses the sudden death of her father, Derek, in a road accident and the subsequent grief and pain she experienced, including not being able to say goodbye.

  • Family Flowers Only with Shannon Gallagher

    Shannon Gallagher recounts the heartbreaking loss of her partner Eoin to suicide, discussing the ensuing shock, trauma, and PTSD. The episode highlights the importance of compassion and open conversation about mental health, with resources…

  • Family Flowers Only with Kitty Maguire

    Kitty Maguire discusses the sudden loss of her mother, Jo, who died on Christmas Eve after being hit by a drunk driver. The episode, in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority, addresses the shock of sudden death and the consequences…

  • Family Flowers Only with Matthew Malley

    Matthew Malley discusses his experiences with profound loss, including the death of his father before birth, his brother Francis by suicide, and his mother Tessie to dementia. He emphasizes the damaging effects of silence after loss and th…

  • Family Flowers Only recommends Lines of Enquiry

    Family Flowers Only recommends the Irish true crime podcast Lines of Enquiry, presented by John Sweetman. The show details the work of the Garda Technical Bureau in real investigations.

  • Family Flowers Only with Niamh McGuinness

    Niamh McGuinness recounts the tragic murder of her son Jamie in April 2023. She discusses the profound grief, the societal issues surrounding male-on-male violence, and the difficult journey through the justice system.

  • Family Flowers Only with Victoria Kirk

    Victoria Kirk discusses the loss of her father to suicide, her experiences with endometriosis, and the grief of multiple miscarriages. The episode explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.

  • Family Flowers Only with Valerie O'Donnell

    Valerie O’Donnell recounts the heartbreaking loss of her husband and son to suicide. In this episode, she candidly discusses how their deaths reshaped her life, exploring the complexities of grief, understanding, and the unique pain of los…

  • Family Flowers Only with Meagan Johnston

    Meagan Johnston discusses her sister Aoife's death from Sepsis following a prolonged wait in Limerick Hospital's emergency department. The conversation covers the family's grief, their pursuit of answers, and hopes for systemic changes to…

  • Family Flowers Only with Jacinta McIntyre

    This episode features Jacinta McIntyre discussing the profound and lasting impact of road tragedies, sharing her personal experience of losing her sister Sarah to a car crash. She speaks about the grief that endures and the hope that shari…

  • Family Flowers Only with Caitlin Beckett

    Caitlin Beckett joins Family Flowers Only to discuss the sudden loss of her father, Keith. She shares her experience with the shock of his death, the guilt of him being alone, and the difficult journey of coping with grief.

  • Family Flowers Only with Shauna Bohan

    Shauna Bohan recounts the sudden loss of her fiancé Benny and the subsequent grief, loneliness, and mental health challenges. She details her journey through darkness and the strength she found to overcome it.

  • Family Flowers Only with Darragh O'Neill

    Darragh O’Neill shares his experience of losing his sister Ella to suicide at age 21. He discusses the impact of her death, the grief process, and the isolating nature of loss, especially when misunderstood.

  • Family Flowers Only with Althea Griffin

    Althea Griffin discusses her experience losing both parents by age 15 and the challenges of childhood grief. The conversation explores how children grieve differently when parents are absent. Grief Ireland offers a workshop at griefireland…

  • Family Flowers Only with Laura Hynes

    Laura Hynes recounts the tragic car crash caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which resulted in the death of her boyfriend Brendan and another passenger. She discusses the profound grief and lasting impact of this…

  • Family Flowers Only with Abaigéal Warfield

    Abaigéal Warfield discusses her experiences with love and loss, including the deaths of her mother and father. She explores the impact of grief and shares her poetry.

  • Family Flowers Only with PJ Haverty

    PJ Haverty recounts his experience of being born in the Tuam Mother and Baby Home in the 1950s. Separated from his mother and later fostered, his life was shaped by this loss, leading him on a journey to search for her, confronting grief a…

  • Family Flowers Only with Helen Groarke

    Helen Groarke shares her experiences with grief, including the loss of her mother and father, her son's autoimmune condition, and a miscarriage. She speaks about navigating these challenges with strength and honesty.

  • Family Flowers Only with Niamh Ruane

    This episode features Niamh Ruane, 17, discussing the profound grief she experienced after losing her father to pancreatic cancer at age 15, followed by her sister's cancer diagnosis. Niamh candidly shares her journey navigating loss, lone…

  • Family Flowers Only with Dermot Joyce

    Dermot Joyce discusses the emotional experience of his wife's cancer journey, including the fear, fight, and heartbreak. He also details how he helped his son cope with his mother's illness and the positive impact of honesty.

  • Family Flowers Only with Chris O'Connor

    Chris O’Connor discusses the loss of his father, James O’Connor, who died attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on his 40th birthday. Chris shares his experience with grief, anger, and the healing process of opening up about his loss.

  • Family Flowers Only with Ann Higgins

    Ann Higgins discusses her experiences with love and loss, detailing the journey of fostering and permanently caring for a young boy, and reflecting on grief and motherhood.

  • Family Flowers Only with Laura Craine

    Laura Craine, founder of With Love and Dreams, shares how she creates memorial jewellery and preserves flowers using resin to help people honour loved ones. She also discusses her personal experiences with grief, including the loss of her…

  • Family Flowers Only with Orla Clancy

    Orla Clancy recounts the profound grief and love experienced after losing her mother suddenly at 13 and her father to cancer at 29. The episode explores the deep connection between a daughter and her parents, especially when a parent becom…

  • Family Flowers Only with Sequana O'Brien

    Sequana O'Brien discusses her experiences with profound grief, including the loss of her mother to cancer and her sister's death after a struggle with psychosis, alongside managing her father's care and her studies.

  • Family Flowers Only with Kathie Stritch

    Kathie Stritch shares her personal story as the host of Family Flowers Only and founder of Grief Ireland, explaining her journey in supporting those who grieve and have experienced loss. More information on workshops and retreats is availa…

  • Family Flowers Only with Kirsty Forde

    Kirsty Forde discusses the loss of her partner, Glenn Fullam, who died of a rare and aggressive cancer. She shares her experience of navigating life without him while raising their young son, Cruz.