Bereaved fathers group team up for trip to Turner’s Cross

CORK CITY FC will welcome the Cork branch of Féileacáin Fathers as special guests at tonight’s home match against St Pat’s.

Féileacáin, a support group for parents who have been affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy, was formed by a group of bereaved parents to offer support to anyone who has suffered such a devastating loss.

Mark Millard, a father-of-five from Cobh, and his wife Jill found comfort in the organisation following the death of their son Isaac 10 years ago. Isaac was born at 36 weeks and died two days later in hospital due to a rare condition called Pataus syndrome.

Mark was aware of the Féileacáin Fathers soccer team in Dublin and launched a similar group in Cork last March, finding the support of Féileacáin to be invaluable and realising that the sports team provides a less pressurised setting for fathers to open up in.

They now have about 18-20 fathers from all over Cork who meet at District Health and Leisure, Lower Glanmire Rd, every month.

“Many men find it extremely difficult to talk about what they’re going through, so the idea of Féileacáin Fathers is to come together once a month and kick a ball around and let the relationships develop organically,” said Mark.

“If people want to talk and share their experiences, then that’s great, but there’s no pressure. We’re there to let others know that they’re not alone in their grief.

“We also have a WhatsApp group, which is a huge help to a lot of our members. Not everyone is into playing football, so I would like to organise other activities such as coffee mornings or evening events.”

Mark said he was delighted when Cork City owner Dermot Usher asked if there was any way the club could help.

“He offered us free match tickets, and a group of us are going to Turner’s Cross tonight,” said Mark. “If people want to stay out afterwards then we can go for a coffee, or if people want to head straight home then they’re more than welcome to do that too.

“I am really grateful to Dermot for his kind offer. We’re really looking forward to a night at The Cross.”

Mr Usher explained: “I read about Féileacáin Fathers and was really impressed with what they do. They are providing a really important support network to parents who are going through unimaginable pain.

“We are delighted to welcome them to Turner’s Cross, and I hope they enjoy the evening.”