27 Comments
User's avatar
Emma Simpson's avatar

Oh Una, this is heartbreakingly beautiful. My dad was an Irish ‘Martin’ too, and also died so quickly and unexpectedly although in his seventies. I feel every word of this. The language, the setting, the nature of grief and how it bubbles up still. How extraordinary to have your grief unfold in parallel to 9/11. There is a whole book in that. Much love ❤️

Expand full comment
Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

This is beautifully, exquisitely written Una. Such a powerful insights into your grief experience. So utterly relatable.

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

Thank you Vicki. Lovely to hear that it resonates.

Expand full comment
E.R.J. McKay's avatar

Such a wonderful piece. Thank you for sharing.

Expand full comment
Ruth Cooper-Dickson's avatar

The anniversary of my Dad’s death is tomorrow and I was 6 years old. I still can’t believe that’s 40 years ago and yet it still feels like no time has passed in some senses. Sending you so much love ❤️

Expand full comment
Sam Galloway (she/her) 💕's avatar

This is so beautifully written and I found great comfort in it, my own Dad having died just two months ago. I’m London Irish, but now live in Aotearoa NZ.

I think fondly of my childhood summer holidays in Galway where the news of a death spread like wildfire. The lean in with a hushed voice: “Come here to me now and I’ll tell you who died.” ☘️

Expand full comment
joan lindsay's avatar

Una, I remember so well the news of 9-11 breaking on the radio when I was going to your daddy’s wake.

You have written this so well xx

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

I remember your story well too. Great to hear from you - I think our paths might cross next year? 🤞

Expand full comment
joan lindsay's avatar

Hello Una- I’m only seeing this now. I never got chatting to you after that at the wedding. It was a great day. There was a lot of gin taken.

Expand full comment
Sophy Merrick's avatar

Beautiful x

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

Thank you x

Expand full comment
Amy I Beeson 🐝's avatar

So well written. Ask for guidance and it will come. Highly recommend w14.

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

Oooo hood to know! I’m going to take my time and see where I land - I think!

Expand full comment
Conal Walsh's avatar

Very moving piece of writing, and so recognizable in its depictions, thank you Una

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

Thank YOU for reading. We give good death in Ireland…maybe! x

Expand full comment
Emily Aiken's avatar

Feel a lot from this! Captured the emotions of grief in Ireland perfectly x

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

Thanks Emily! For all it is, and for all it isn't, I wouldn't change our part of the world x

Expand full comment
No Place Quite Like It's avatar

He would be so incredibly proud of you Una. Uncle Martin was such a great man. Take good care of yourself xx

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

Thanks so much Catherine! So lovely to to hear from you - I'm sure you remember that night well too. I'm home most of October - would be great to see you x

Expand full comment
No Place Quite Like It's avatar

Would love that Una xx

Expand full comment
Gillian mc garrell's avatar

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

And back at you x

Expand full comment
Una's avatar

So lovely to heart that it has brought some comfort. Is there a more Irish phrase than “come here to me…” ?😂

Expand full comment
Margi McGaan's avatar

To say this writing is beautiful is an understatement. Your heartfelt words paint such a rich picture of tradition and feelings. that totally resonates with me. Your dear Dad sounds like a lovely kind human being. I know the shock of unexpected death , I lost my Dad suddenly when I was 19 ( long time ago now)

It’s serendipitous that I found your writing today, on the anniversary of my mums death four years ago …

I wish you all the best

Expand full comment
Hannah Swierstra's avatar

I really enjoyed this, your description of an Irish wake is so good, I’ve never been to a proper one but have Irish family so have been told many stories.

Thank you for sharing your own experience, you were incredibly young. Even as a fully fledged adult losing my parents has been so hard. The strong comments often make me want to scream, we’re not strong, or if we are it’s because we have no choice.

Expand full comment
Lauren Powell's avatar

Beautifully and evocatively written Una, thank you for sharing 💕

Expand full comment