Irish comedian and presenter Patrick Kielty has bravely opened up about the profound emotional impact of his father’s murder, admitting there was a time when he "didn’t feel like living".
In a raw and emotional interview, Kielty reflected on the trauma of losing his father, Jack Kielty, who was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries in 1988. The tragedy left a lasting scar on the young Kielty, who was just 16 at the time.
A Life Shattered by Violence
Kielty described how his father’s murder turned his world upside down. "When something like that happens, it’s not just the loss—it’s the way it happens," he shared. "The brutality of it, the senselessness… it makes you question everything."
The comedian revealed that in the aftermath, he struggled to find meaning. "There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed," he admitted. "I didn’t feel like living in a world where that could happen."
Finding Light Through Laughter
Remarkably, Kielty found solace in comedy. "Stand-up became my therapy," he explained. "Making people laugh gave me a reason to keep going."
Now a successful broadcaster and comedian, Kielty credits his career with helping him process his grief. "Comedy doesn’t erase the pain," he said, "but it gives you a way to carry it."
A Message of Hope
Kielty hopes his story will help others facing similar struggles. "If I can come through that darkness and find joy again, anyone can," he said. "The pain never fully goes away, but life does get better."
His candid reflections offer a powerful testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
