Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, I sit down with PJ Haverty, who shares his powerful story of being born in the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam in the 1950s. PJ’s mother was sent there after becoming pregnant out of wedlock, and despite coming back every week for over five years, the nuns refused to return her little boy to her.

Fostered out, PJ grew up carrying the loss of his mother, a wound that shaped his life. In time he began to search for his birth mother but alongside the love he had for her came anger and grief for what had been stolen from them both.

This conversation shines a light on the deep impact of the Mother and Baby Homes, and on PJ’s journey of loss, love, and survival.

*Very brief mention of abuse

For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

This week on Family Flowers Only , I sit down with Helen Groarke . Helen speaks so openly about the devastating loss of her mum Ada to COPD, a woman she described as her best friend. Just two weeks later, her dad Phelim who had lived with bipolar all his life attempted to take his own life. Helen also shares the challenges that followed, from her son being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition to experiencing miscarriage. Through it all, she has carried immense strength, honesty, and love. Thank you to this episodes supporters Feeling stuck in your body? Grief can weigh heavily on us physically as well as emotionally. If you’re ready to try gentle movement from home Ecofitness by Korina Duffy is offering listeners a 30-day free trial. Move at your own pace, in your own space, even in your pyjamas. 💚 Sign up here: ⁠⁠⁠https://coach.everfit.io/package/QJ743362⁠⁠⁠ 🎙️ This episode was brought to you and recorded at GK Media Studio. They also offer a beautiful Legacy Package where you can record your own personal or family podcast, capture memories with a loved one, or tell your story in your own words.They can even travel to you. 📼 Learn more here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.gkmedia.ie/legacy⁠⁠⁠ For more information on Grief Retreats visit ⁠⁠⁠www.griefireland.com⁠⁠⁠

This week, I sit down with Kirsty Forde , who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her partner, Glenn Fullam . Kirsty and Glenn were young, so in love, and raising their little boy Cruz when Glenn was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, a rare and fast-moving illness that doctors couldn’t even name. What followed was a devastating and rapid decline, and Kirsty was left facing the unimaginable, life without the person she thought she'd spend forever with. This is a story of love, loss, and strength, and I know so many of you will connect deeply with Kirsty's honesty, heartbreak, and quiet resilience. You can find Kirsty on TikTok and Instagram @KirstyForde For tickets and more information about our Grief Workshop in Dublin Oct 19th please visit www.griefireland.com Follow us on TikTok @familyflowersonly https://www.tiktok.com/@familyflowersonly?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

This week, I sit down with Marie Kealy, who bravely shares the story of her beautiful daughter, Hannah. At just two years old, Hannah’s life was tragically cut short, and what follows is a conversation that is incredibly raw, heartbreaking, and deeply important. Despite her unimaginable grief, Marie and her husband Denis made the powerful decision to donate Hannah’s organs a choice that has gone on to save the lives of others. In this episode, Marie speaks not only about love and loss, but also about legacy, awareness, and honouring the good that Hannah brought into the world in her short time here. This is a difficult listen at times, but it’s one filled with meaning, hope, and a mother’s fierce desire to make sure her daughter’s life continues to help others. Brought to you by lovecherish.com For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

Most weeks on Family Flowers Only, we sit down with someone who’s experienced an enormous loss, and together we walk through their story of love, grief, and everything in between. But this week, I wanted to take a little pause from the weight of those stories because grief can be so heavy, and I know how much it stirs up for people listening. So I’ve invited someone very special to me on this week, Caroline Fitzgerald. Caroline is an EFT practitioner and an oncology nurse. She works closely with me on our grief retreats, offering incredible support through tapping, breath work and just a beautiful calming presence. Her work has brought her into close contact with grief, trauma, and the way it lives in the body. This conversation is a softer one, a slower one, something to give you a bit of space if you’re carrying your own loss today. Whether you’re grieving or supporting someone who is, I really hope there’s something in this episode that lands gently for you. You can find Caroline here https://www.instagram.com/carolinefitzgerald.ie/

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Sinead Earls , a devoted mum who shares the story of her beautiful son Cialin . Cialin was a unique and special little boy full of light, curiosity and love. He had autism and faced a number of health challenges in his short life, including scoliosis and epilepsy. In December 2021, Cialin tragically passed away after a sudden epileptic seizure, known as SUDEP Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Sinead speaks so openly and lovingly about his life, their bond, and the grief that follows a loss like this. It’s a conversation about deep love, resilience, and honouring the memory of a very special boy. You can find Sinead on Instagram @cialins_everglow For more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

This week, I sit down with Eoin McGrath, an online coach, a recovering addict, and one of the most open and inspiring guests I’ve had on the podcast. Eoin shares his journey through addiction, from being a young boy struggling in school to becoming the class clown to fit in, turning to alcohol for confidence, and eventually spiralling into cocaine use. He speaks so honestly about the realities of addiction, his time in rehab, and the beautiful love story that unfolded there with Karley and the devastating loss he faced when she passed away before they could build a life together. This is a powerful, emotional, and deeply important conversation, one that I believe will help so many people, and one that every family should hear. As always, if you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to follow, share, and spread the word. It really helps us reach even more people who might need it. You can find Eoin on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eoinmcgrath23/ And Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/eoin-mcgrath-recovery

This week, I sit down with Anna Bradley, who shares the story of losing her husband Crocker so suddenly after he went out for a surf and never came home. With two small children and their world turned upside down, Anna speaks honestly about the shock, the heartbreak, and what it means to carry on. She shares the things that helped from running marathons to breathwork, and the moments where she knew she had to stop and look after herself. Anna’s story is full of heartbreak, strength, and wisdom for anyone finding their way through grief. Visit www.griefireland.com for more information on Grief Retreats

This week, I sit down with Louise Mulcahy, who speaks so openly and honestly about the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Peter, in a road traffic accident in October 2023. Together for 20 years and raising two small boys, Louise and Peter were in the middle of building their forever home... life was full of plans and promise, until everything changed in an instant. We talk about the shock of sudden loss, the weight of grief, and what it means to navigate that while trying to show up every day for young children who are still trying to understand it all. This is a powerful and moving conversation. For tickets to Grief Retreats check out www.griefireland.com

This week, I sit down with Alan and Eimear Durnan to talk about their beautiful daughter, Keeley Duggan, who they heartbreakingly lost in July 2023. Keeley was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare and aggressive brain tumour. Alan and Eimear speak openly about the long road to her diagnosis, her incredible strength throughout her illness, and the deep grief they now live with. In her memory, they’ve set up the Keeley D Foundation, a charity that offers practical support to children on palliative care and their families. Their story is one of love, heartbreak, and the unbreakable bond of family. Instagram @Keeleydfoundation @griefireland For more information on Grief Retreats visit griefireland.com