Cork woman urges support for 'blue and pink light' initiative to raise awareness for infant loss

A Cork woman is encouraging people to support the Féileacáin Wave of Light initiative on October 15, asking for buildings across Ireland to light up in blue and pink to mark pregnancy and infant loss remembrance day.

Cork woman Therese O’Shea, who also is the chairperson of St James' GAA club, said that Féileacáin have been of immense support to her family, following the loss of her daughter Alice recently.

Féileacáin is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms O’Shea is looking to raise awareness and encourage all GAA and all other clubs to support the initiative.

Following her own research, she found that there was only just one GAA club in the country, a club based in Dublin, which took part in this event last year.

Ms O’Shea said the GAA have been an incredible support to her and her family.

 Now she is encouraging other clubs to participate on October 15.

“I just thought there probably isn’t a GAA club in the country that hasn’t been affected by pregnancy loss.

“The Wave Of Light remembers the babies that are gone and it gives comfort to families who are experiencing this loss.

“Most importantly it raises awareness. I put it to our executive committee and said I’d love if we could take part in this and if we could add St James’s GAA to the list of places in Cork that are going to be lighting up. 

"It was a unanimous yes."

Among the other GAA clubs taking part in the Wave of Light initiative are Clonakilty and Carbery Rangers.

Ms O’Shea added: "Féileacáin do wonderful things. I reached out to Féileacáin twice last week and they reached out to me. 

"They are all working on a voluntary basis. They have walked the road that I am now currently walking.

“We have had a tough price to pay in that we lost our little girl. But we can help raise awareness, if we can help one more family, or help get the conversation started, and just remember these precious little babies.” 

Further information on the services and support which is provided by Féileacáin can be found online at https://feileacain.ie/