11/10/2026
In family constellations work, it is deeply healing for the whole family system when we shine a light on those in the lineage who were not honoured, remembered, or who were shunned.
Thomas Patrick Keany was my grandfather. I knew little about him until I began making enquiries for Irish citizenship last year. Thomas ended his life by drinking poison. In an Irish Catholic family, su***de often carried the heavy burden of shame.
Thomas is the reason I have an Irish passport, and the reason I’m in New York: to shine a light on his existence, his courage and his struggles. A man who carried a weight too heavy to bear.
In 1930, aged 24, he left Glenfarne, County Leitrim for Astoria, Queens, to join his brother, sister and uncle in search of a better life. At some point he went to England and met my grandmother.
Walking the streets of Astoria, I think of Thomas here with a dream in his heart, perhaps never quite fulfilled. A nod of respect to the courage it took to leave his beloved Ireland and start again.
It was a privilege to arrive at JFK with a passport from my grandfather, his blood in my veins, the colour of his eyes and, I believe, the same sensitivity in his heart.
Life was tormenting for Thomas and the lineage that followed. I’ve spent many years healing our family legacy of trauma. Today I celebrate the journey they walked so that I could be here.
Beyond healing, there is acceptance, growth and expansion: the gift integrated trauma can bring.
Thank you Jon Unal for the inspiration 💚