Content note: This episode discusses stillbirth, bereavement and mental health. Please listen when it feels right for you. Irish support details are included below.
“If I have a son, I’m a father.”
Dylan McKenna’s son Hunter was stillborn on 15 October 2025. In this episode, released on Hunter’s first birthday and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Dylan joins Afif and Anne to share his son’s story and what the past year has meant for him as a dad.
Dylan speaks about losing his own father during Caitlín’s pregnancy, the hope Hunter brought to their lives, and the devastating experience of leaving hospital without him. He explains why recognising bereaved parents as mothers and fathers matters, and how even well-meant words can leave them feeling unseen.
We explore fathers’ mental health, the exhaustion of appearing to cope at work, and the challenges of supporting each other when grief feels different for each partner. Dylan also shares his experience of counselling and his plans to connect with other bereaved fathers through Féileacáin.
As Dylan and Caitlín prepare to welcome Hunter’s little brother, he describes the fear, guilt and growing joy of pregnancy after loss, and their determination that both sons will always have a place in their family.
We also hear about his request for the Late Late Toy Show to light a Christmas tree blue and pink in memory of babies who have died, and why that small gesture could mean so much to families watching.
A conversation about love, fatherhood, saying our children’s names and continuing to show up for grieving parents.
Support in Ireland
If this conversation brings up difficult feelings, support is available:
Féileacáin: Call 085 249 6464 for support following stillbirth or neonatal death. Visit feileacain.ie.
Féileacáin Fathers: Connection and peer support for bereaved dads through football and social activities. Visit feileacainfathers.com or email feileacainfathers@gmail.com.
A Little Lifetime Foundation: Bereavement support and counselling, including a dedicated dads’ group. Visit alittlelifetime.ie or email info@alittlelifetime.ie.
Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line: Freephone 1800 80 70 77, Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm, for support with grief or concern about someone who is grieving. More information.
Samaritans Ireland: Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, if you need someone to listen. samaritans.org.
