Limerick broadcaster brings a voice to people's loss and grief in new podcast

TO COINCIDE with its 20th anniversary, rip.ie has launched a new podcast hosted by Limerick broadcaster Muireann O’Connell. 

Sponsored by An Post Insurance, Parting Words is a six-part series featuring open, honest and frank conversations about love, loss and dealing with grief. 

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The debut episode features Colm Hayes who speaks about his late wife Anne and the six years they lived with her cancer diagnosis. 

Limerick woman Sarah Corbett Lynch, along with former Mary Immaculate College graduate Jacqui Hurley also feature in this series, as well as Miriam O’Callaghan and Darragh Fleming. 

Through the monthly series, Muireann O’Connell will speak to people about how their losses have shaped their lives in different ways. 

Speaking about the experience of hosting Parting Words, Limerick broadcaster Muireann O’Connell said: “What struck me immediately about Parting Words was how uplifting and life‑affirming these conversations are, even when they’re rooted in loss. 

“Every guest brings such honesty, humour and heart to the table. It’s a privilege to sit with people as they share stories about those they’ve loved and lost — and to create something that listeners can hopefully find comfort, connection and even joy in.”

Richie Kelly, head of rip.ie, said the podcast grew from a simple but powerful idea: “At rip.ie, we see every day how important remembrance and connection are for families and communities. Parting Words creates space for honest conversations about loss, love, and legacy — not in a heavy way, but in a human way. 

“It’s about celebrating the voices and memories that stay with us long after someone is gone.”

Parting Words is available to be listened to on all major podcast platforms.