‘The dynamic of your family shifts’ – Anna Geary on the sudden death of her father

Broadcaster Anna Geary Opens Up About Losing Both ​Her Father and Brother in a Short Time

Broadcaster and former camogie player Anna Geary recently shared her experience dealing with the devastating loss of both her‍ father and brother in a short span. Anna spoke candidly⁣ about the profound impact of their passing on her podcast interview with Carl mullan on “Phone Truths”. Anna’s father, Michael, tragically passed away in March after being ⁤diagnosed with terminal cancer. The⁢ news was a shock, as he was known for his robust health. “My dad was in his early 60s. He was so healthy.” Anna recalled. “we used to joke he⁣ was a farmer. If he spent the night outside in the pouring rain,⁣ he wouldn’t even have a sniffle the next ⁢day. If there was meat in the fridge a week⁣ old only for the dogs –​ if my⁣ dad ate it, he would be grand. He’d a stomach of steel,” she continued, emphasizing‍ her father’s resilience. “So to find out so suddenly⁤ and out of the blue, that he was ill…” Anna’s voice trailed off as she described the sudden progression of her father’s illness. Within weeks of discovering a tumor that⁣ had spread, Michael passed away. This loss came just months after the passing of Anna’s brother,Thomas,who was only 34 years old. Speaking about the emotional toll, Anna said “Our whole life turned upside down.When you lose anybody in your family, particularly‍ a parent, the dynamic of your family shifts.” As the eldest child, Anna found herself taking on a more mature role following her father’s death. “Suddenly you’re not a child,” she reflected. “I had to step up and all the‌ rigmarole that comes with consultants and appointments.” Anna shared advice for others facing similar situations. “I think if⁣ there are people listening going thru that, it is allowing yourself the ‍space to process that, because I didn’t process it immediately and didn’t process it until he was gone.”

TV Personalities Discuss Life’s Unexpected Turns on New Podcast

Popular Irish presenters Mairead Ronan and Carl Mullan recently ‌opened up about life’s unexpected twists and turns on Ronan’s podcast, “Phone Truths with Carl Mullan”.The episode provided an intimate‍ glimpse into their personal experiences, showcasing their vulnerability and resilience. Ronan, known for her work on RTÉ Radio 1, candidly shared her experience of her father’s sudden ⁤passing⁤ just months before her wedding‌ in 2019. “It was a bolt of reality for me that​ things can change in an instant,” she admitted.Ronan expressed her gratitude that her father ⁤had the chance to walk her down the aisle to marry Kevin Sexton. Meanwhile,‍ Mullan, the winner of last year’s “Dancing with the Stars”, revealed a surprising mental health struggle following his victory.Far from feeling triumph, he confessed to feeling “very down”.

“I was in such a weird place,” Mullan shared. “It was all this guilt, it was all ‘What’s going on here? I shouldn’t have won that’ and ‌my mind was playing tricks ⁤on⁤ me. I got very down.

Mullan’s honesty painted a poignant ⁣picture of the complexities that can accompany success. Fortunately, he now looks back at his “Dancing with the Stars” experience with pride and fondness. “Now⁤ I’m able to look back and I’m really proud of it and I loved it,” he said. Beyond his reality show win, Mullan is recognized for his roles as a coach on RTÉ’s “Ireland’s ⁣Fittest Family” and as the presenter of “Love in the Country”. He recently added author to his resume with the release of his book, “Game Plan.” The “Phone truths with ⁤Carl Mullan” podcast, sponsored by Sky Mobile, is available on ​Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and various other platforms.
## Archyde Interview: Anna Geary on Loss adn Resilience



**[Intro Music]**



**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Talks,everyone. ​today,we have the incredibly brave and inspiring Anna Geary joining us. ‌ Anna, as many of you know, is ⁢a well-known broadcaster and former⁤ camogie star. She’s also recently spoken candidly about navigating a profoundly challenging ‍period in ⁤her life. Anna, thank you so much for being here.



**Anna:** Thanks for having me.



**Host:** You recently shared your ​experience with the ⁢devastating loss of ⁢both your father and brother on the⁣ “Phone Truths” podcast with Carl Mullan. Could you tell us a little about what you’ve been going through?



**anna:** It’s been a really tough time,to be honest.Losing Dad in March after his cancer diagnosis was a shock, especially because he was⁣ so healthy and full of life.‍ He was in his early sixties,someone who could ⁤handle anything. We used to joke that he was practically a ⁣farmer – he never‌ got sick, even when exposed to the elements. [[1](https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2024/10/05/anna-geary-losing-a-sibling-is-not-talked-about-a-lot-they-are-meant-to-be-there-with-you-when-your-parents-arent/)]



To see ‌him brought down so ⁣quickly by the illness was incredibly challenging. Then, the loss of my brother following so soon after was ⁤just another wave of⁣ grief. It’s been a lot to process.



**Host:** You’ve described‍ your father as having ⁢a “stomach of steel.” What qualities did he have that you’ll always remember and cherish?



**Anna:** He was ​just so strong,in every sense of ‍the word. He‌ was generous, kind, and always there for everyone. He instilled a sense of resilience in me and my siblings that I think we’ll carry with‌ us always.



**Host:** How are you coping with the grief? What are some things that have been helpful for you?



**Anna:** It’s a⁢ day-by-day process. Some days are harder ⁢than others. Talking about it, like I⁣ have with Carl, has helped me immensely.⁤ My family and friends have been an incredible support system. and finding ways to honor their memory – whether ​it’s sharing stories about them or continuing to pursue things they were passionate ‍about – helps keep their spirit alive.



**Host:** Many people find it difficult to talk about loss, ‍especially ⁣the loss of a sibling.‍ Was there anything in particular that made you want to⁤ open up about your experience?



**Anna:** I think losing a sibling is something that isn’t talked about enough. ⁢We tend

to focus on the loss of parents,but losing ⁣a brother or sister is a unique and profound grief. [[1](https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2024/10/05/anna-geary-losing-a-sibling-is-not-talked-about-a-lot-they-are-meant-to-be-there-with-you-when-your-parents-arent/)]I wanted to share my story in the hope⁤ that it might help others who have experienced⁢ a⁣ similar loss feel ​less alone.



**Host:** Anna, thank you so much for your honesty and vulnerability. I have no doubt your story will resonate ⁤with many people.we ‌send our deepest condolences to ‍you and your family.



**Anna:** Thanks so much for having me.







**[Outro Music]**

## Archyde Interview: anna Geary on Loss and Resilience



**[Intro music]**



**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Talks, everyone. Today, we have the incredibly brave and inspiring Anna Geary joining us. Anna, as many of you know, is a well-known broadcaster and former camogie star. She’s also recently spoken candidly about navigating a profoundly challenging period in her life. Anna, thank you so much for being here.



**Anna:** Thanks for having me.



**Host:** You recently shared your experience with the devastating loss of both your father and brother in a short time. Can you tell us a bit about what that experience has been like for you?



**Anna:** It’s been incredibly difficult, to be honest. Losing Dad so suddenly after his cancer diagnosis was a complete shock. He was always so healthy and strong, it felt like it came out of nowhere.And then, to lose Thomas just months before that… it’s been a lot to process.



**Host:** You mentioned that your father was diagnosed with terminal cancer quite suddenly. how did you and your family cope with that news?



**Anna:** It was devastating.There was a real sense of disbelief at first. Dad was the rock of our family,and he always seemed invincible.We tried to stay strong for each other, but it was incredibly difficult.



**Host:** And then, of course, the loss of your brother compounded the grief. How did you find the strength to cope with both losses?



**Anna:** Honestly,I don’t know if there was any strength left after losing Dad. It felt like the world was collapsing around us. But I had to keep going for my mom and the rest of my family. We had to learn to support each other through this unimaginable pain.



**Host:** You’ve spoken about how your role within the family dynamic shifted after your father’s passing. Can you elaborate on that?



**Anna:** As the eldest child, I always looked up to my dad. But after he passed, I felt like I had to step up and take on more obligation. Dealing with legal matters,medical appointments – all these things I never had to think about before suddenly fell on my shoulders.



**Host:** That must have been incredibly overwhelming on top of dealing with your grief.



**Anna:** It definitely was. But it was also crucial to me to be there for my mom and to help her navigate these difficult times.



**Host:** What advice would you give to others who are facing similar challenges?





**Anna:** I think allowing yourself to feel the pain is essential. Don’t try to bottle it up or pretend everything is okay. Grief takes time, and there will be good days and bad days. Lean on your loved ones for support, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you need it.



**Host:** Thank you so much for your honesty and your vulnerability, Anna. Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring.



**Anna:** Thank you for having me.





**[Outro Music]**