Introduction

In the last two years, Anna Geary, a beloved Irish TV and radio presenter, has experienced the heights of joy and the depths of grief. With the birth of her first child, Ronan, in August 2023, and the sudden losses of her father and brother, Geary is on a journey of rebuilding herself. She openly reflects on how these contrasting life events have reshaped her, offering perspective on grief, motherhood, and her path forward.

The Pain of Loss: Coping with Grief

Anna Geary’s family was rocked by tragedy when her father, Michael, passed away from cancer in March 2022. Just months later, in October, her only sibling, Thomas, died unexpectedly before his wedding day. These back-to-back losses have left a deep impact on Geary, who admits that the grief is still very raw. “When you experience such immense loss, you try to make sense of it,” she says, explaining how she has had to navigate through both good and bad days.

While the pain is ever-present, Geary also recognizes how grief has given her perspective. “Grief will impact on how I live my life going forward,” she shares, acknowledging that while life continues, there’s a need to find ways to live alongside the sadness. This journey, she says, is far from linear, and some days she finds it difficult to cope, but she continues to search for ways to navigate through the pain.

Finding Purpose Amid the Darkness

One of the ways Geary has found solace is by focusing on her new role as a mother. The arrival of Ronan has provided her with joy and purpose, even as she grapples with the emotional weight of her losses. “It’s the greatest joy but also the hardest challenge I’ve ever done,” she says of motherhood, describing the daily challenges of sleep deprivation and the overwhelming sense of responsibility.

Through motherhood, Geary has found a reason to keep moving forward. “In those early days when I was almost worn down by grief, that gave me a purpose,” she reflects. She believes it’s important to cherish the moments of joy, even as they coexist with the sadness of losing her father and brother. “One of the hardest things is to allow yourself to experience joy or feel good amid all the sadness,” she admits, but she is determined to live fully for the loved ones who are no longer with her.

Navigating Career, Family, and Self

Beyond her personal challenges, Geary’s professional life remains as vibrant as ever. As the host of Love in the Country and the upcoming season of her podcast Supercharged, she continues to balance a demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood. Reflecting on her public persona, she admits, “I never thought as a young girl growing up on a dairy farm in North Cork… that one day I’d be your one off the telly.”

In Love in the Country, Geary plays the role of a “wing-woman” for singletons looking for love, a job she embraces with her characteristic energy and enthusiasm. She relishes the chance to help others navigate their own lives, all while dealing with her own emotional journey. “It’s about giving yourself permission to have a day where you feel like you’re falling apart,” she says, offering a glimpse into the vulnerability she balances with her public persona.

The Importance of Family and Faith

Family remains at the heart of Geary’s journey through grief and motherhood. Her relationship with her mother, Ellen, has been a source of strength, with Geary describing her as a “rock” and an inspiration. She speaks fondly of her parents’ strong Catholic faith, which she has leaned on during her difficult times. “I do pray and have those moments of trying to make peace with what has happened,” Geary says, although she admits that her faith was challenged by the untimely loss of her brother Thomas.

Raising Ronan without his grandfather and uncle has been another painful reality for Geary. She shares the bittersweet experience of watching a TV show where a grandfather tells his grandson a bedtime story, a moment that reminded her of her dad. “My dad was so great at that,” she says, mourning the fact that Ronan will never experience those special moments. Yet, she remains committed to keeping her father and brother’s memories alive for her son.

Building Resilience Through Grief

Grief, as Geary describes it, is like the layers of an onion, with new emotions surfacing unexpectedly. Yet, despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic about the lessons she has learned through loss. “Grief will impact on how I live my life… and not necessarily for the worse,” she says. Through her losses, she has gained a greater appreciation for life and a clearer understanding of what truly matters.

Geary’s resilience is evident in how she approaches her challenges. While she acknowledges that some days she struggles to manage her emotions, she also emphasizes the importance of allowing herself to feel those emotions. “We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for,” she says, a message she hopes to pass on to others who may be dealing with their own grief.

Looking Forward: Living with Grief and Joy

As Geary continues to balance her roles as a mother, wife, daughter, and career woman, she remains committed to living life fully. “We owe it to the people who haven’t had the opportunity to live their life to the full, to live ours as fully as we can,” she says. This philosophy drives her forward, even on the days when grief feels overwhelming.

With a bright career ahead, a loving family, and a new perspective on life, Anna Geary’s story is one of resilience, growth, and an enduring commitment to finding light in the darkness. Through her journey, she reminds us all of the importance of embracing life’s dualities—allowing both joy and sorrow to shape who we are.