The Comeback with.... Christine Kavanagh

This week I am joined by Christine Kavanagh, a mother from Cork who has lived through the unimaginable - losing four sons, three of them to drug-related causes.

In January of this year, Christine lost two of her sons, Dillon and Damien, just fifteen days apart. They were laid to rest in a double funeral - one open coffin, one closed. Another son, Leon, died of a heroin overdose in 2021. Her pain is immeasurable, but Christine has chosen to speak out, not stay silent.

In this deeply emotional and powerful episode, Christine shares her story of grief, addiction, and resilience. She opens up about the devastating impact of heroin addiction, the lack of mental health support, and the urgent need for harm reduction services like supervised injection centres in Ireland - services she believes could have saved her sons.

We also talk about her ongoing strength: returning to work just three days after her sons' funeral, raising her grandchildren, and becoming an advocate for overdose prevention and addiction recovery.

Christine’s voice is one of love, pain, and fierce determination - and her story is one I will never forget.

This episode is dedicated to Dillon, Damien, Leon, and Ross.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mill Confectionery - Handmade Irish cakes and treats, established in Cork over 40 years ago. Christine shared how their team went above and beyond while catering her sons’ funeral - a gesture she’ll never forget. You can find them on Instagram: @oldmillconfectionary

Timestamps

[00:00:28] – This Pain Will Never Leave Me

[00:01:26] – Why I Keep Going for My Family

[00:01:54] – Losing Ross to Epilepsy

[00:03:13] – Leon’s Struggle With Addiction

[00:08:34] – Campaigning for an Injection Centre

[00:25:06] – Two Sons Buried Together

[00:24:03] – They Were Sick, Not Bad

[00:21:27] – Helping a Stranger on the Street

[00:22:09] – Flashbacks and Street Advocacy

[00:30:01] – If I Can Save One Family

Connect With Me:

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy is a powerful podcast that delves into the most inspiring stories of resilience, transformation, and triumph. Hosted by Brenda Dennehy, the podcast shares the journeys of real people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges—hitting rock bottom, navigating through personal battles, and emerging stronger than ever.

Every episode brings an honest and raw conversation about turning adversity into strength, showing that it's not just about bouncing back, but about thriving after hardship. Through heartfelt interviews, Brenda uncovers the moments that changed lives and the lessons learned along the way.

From overcoming addiction to achieving personal breakthroughs, The Comeback explores the human capacity for resilience and how people tap into their inner strength to rebuild their lives. Each guest offers a unique perspective, leaving listeners with hope, inspiration, and the belief that, no matter the obstacles, a powerful comeback is always possible.

Whether you’re seeking motivation or simply want to hear incredible stories of perseverance, The Comeback is a must-listen.

Tune in for your dose of inspiration.

Follow Brenda on Instagram: @brendasbits 

Contact: thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• No. of episodes: 17
• Latest episode: 2025-09-01
• Education Health & Fitness Self-Improvement Mental Health

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