During 2021, the series Saol Clainne spent time with families across Ireland facing great difficulties, fighting to overcome obstacles for themselves and their loved ones. These are families that are struggling and suffering, day after day, from tragedies, illnesses and the twists and turns of life. But despite all the difficulties and challenges, together they embark on each new day with courage, hope and love. The series covers common topics, such as death, grief, illness, addiction, the importance and role of carers and the mica crisis in the Northwest. Personal stories from the heart told with honesty and conviction.
In Donegal, Aoife Nic Sheáin recalls the day she held her five day old daughter in her arms and received the news that her home needs to be demolished as her house was built with blocks containing a high level of Mica. Since then Aoife’s life has changed dramatically, worry and fear has crept in, fear for the safety of her children and her own mental health.
Barbara Walsh was last seen in her home in Carna, Co Galway in the early hours of 22 June 1985. Barbara disappeared without a trace and has not been seen since. 36 years on her daughter Jacqueline is appealing to people to come forward with any information they have about her mothers disappearance. Jacqueline has searched for her mother and for these answers since she was 14 years old.
At some stage in life we all go through loss, be it of a parent, a sibling or a loved one. Ailce Ní Fhlanagáin in Donegal shares her personal journey of grief after the loss of her mother in July 2020.
Deirdre Wadding from Wexford spent three months in a mother and baby home in Bessborough, it is here that Deirdre gave birth to her first son. Her son was adopted and Deirdre spent each day thinking of him. On his birthdays she would write a card for him, unable to post it as she did not know where he was. Deirdre spent years trying to contact him, and finally when he was 19 her wrote to her. Deirdre recounts these years to enable others to be heard.
In Dublin we meet Tomás Ó Flannagáin, Tomas is a young carer to his brother Liam. Liam has autism and together Tomás and his family work everyday to ensure Liam’s happiness. Tomás gives us a glimpse of what life is like as a young carer as he prepares to sit his Leaving Certificate.
Hughie Eibhlín ó Duibheannaigh from Donegal speaks of the grasp alcohol addiction had on him for 40 years. During this time Hughie’s relationship with his partner and children deteriorated. His addiction with alcohol proceeded to get worse. However, with the help of weekly meetings Hughie has overcome his addiction. Hughie tells his story to help others who may have lost hope.
Páraic Ó Cofaigh from Ráth Chairn was eighteen-years-old when he was killed in a fatal hit and run on 9th June, 1997. Despite a Garda investigation no one has ever been found responsible for his death. Páraic’s parents Judy and Patrick share their personal story of grief and heartbreak as they seek closure for Páraic.
In June 2021, Kevin ó Conghaile from Connemara suffered a stroke that has affected all his basic bodily functions, speech and movements. At the minute Kevin cannot speak and is very restricted in his movements, his family have rallied around him and are doing everything in their power to ensure Kevin regains full physical and mental independence to enjoy life with his family again. Áine, Kevin’s mum, shares their family’s story of inspiration and love.
Specific episode billings
In the first episode of the series we meet Aoife Nic Sheáin, who has discovered Mica in her home. Alice Ní Fhlanagáin tells her personal story of grief and Jaqueline Walsh shares her emotional story of her mum who is missing for 36 years.
In the second episode of Saol Clainne, Tomás ó Flannagáin gives a portrait of life as a young carer. Deirdre Wadding shares her story of time spent in Bessborough. Aoife Nic Sheáin fears for her family’s future due to faulty mica blocks.
In the third episode of the series Saol Clainne young carer Tomás ó Flannagáin receives his leaving cert results. Hughie Ó Duibheannaigh recounts 40 years of Alcohol addiction. Áine Hanrahan tells of her son’s stroke aged 34.
In the final episode of the series Saol Clainne the Ó Cofaigh family share their heartbreaking story of the loss of their son Páraic due to a fatal hit and run. Aoife receives some worrying news. Áine Hanrahan continues her fight for Kevin’s recovery.
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