This week I sit down with Peter Shelley who shares the heartbreaking story of losing his baby daughter Aodhla suddenly at just eight weeks old to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Peter speaks honestly about the shock of that loss, the devastation that followed, and what it’s like to grieve the death of a child as a parent particularly from a father’s perspective. We talk about how grief can look different for mums and dads, the silence men often carry, and the importance of speaking openly about their pain.

Peter now hosts his own podcast Dads Don’t Cry continuing the conversation around grief and childloss.

This week I sit down with Hazellynn Doyle, who speaks so openly about the devastating loss of her dad Derek.
He died instantly in a tragic road accident when a HGV lorry made a left-hand turn while he was cycling home from work a week before Christmas.

Hazel shares the shock of that day, the grief that followed, and the pain of not being able to say goodbye as his coffin had to remain closed. Her honesty, love, and strength shine through every part of this conversation.

For more information on grief retreats and support, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I sit down with Shannon Gallagher who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her partner Eoin to suicide. Shannon speaks with incredible honesty about the shock and trauma of the day she found him and the profound impact that moment has had on her life.

She opens up about the PTSD that followed, the fear in the early days, and the long difficult road of trying to understand a loss that can never fully make sense.

It’s a deeply emotional and courageous conversation, shining a light on the reality so many people live with behind closed doors and the importance of compassion, support, and speaking openly about mental health.

For more information on grief retreats and support, visit www.griefireland.com.

This week I’m joined by Kitty Maguire who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her mam Jo on Christmas Eve. Jo was on her way to Kitty’s house when a drunk driver hit her car and killed her instantly.

At a time of year that’s already so emotional for so many Kitty speaks with incredible honesty about the shock of that night, the grief that follows a sudden death, and the empty space her mam has left behind every day since.

In this episode in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority, we also talk about the devastating impact of drunk driving and the lives changed forever by one decision behind the wheel.

For more information on grief retreats and workshops please visit www.griefireland.com.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

This week I sit down with Meagan Johnston who shares the heartbreaking story of her sister Aoife Johnston. Aoife died from Sepsis after being left to wait over sixteen hours in the emergency department at Limerick Hospital despite being triaged as needing to be seen within fifteen minutes.

Meagan speaks with courage about the shock and devastation of her family’s loss, the ongoing fight for answers, and the lasting impact of what happened. She also reflects on the inquest process and the change she hopes will come so that no other family has to endure the same pain.

It’s an emotional and powerful conversation about loss, accountability, and love.

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