‘There was no family there to rub his hand, or say goodbye’ — the pain of knowing my father died alone

Research from the Hospice Foundation shows that 74pc of Irish people would like to die at home, but only 23pc actually do — it’s something Tom O’Dywer regrets wasn’t an option for his loving father Conor

Tom O’Dwyer lost his father during the pandemic. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Kirsty Blake Knox

Tom O’Dywer’s father Conor was a genial and gentle man. He had worked as a publican and a taxi driver and came from a large and close-knit family. He loved social interaction and being around other people.

All of which makes the final moments of his life even more poignant.