My First Night Back in Cork in Four Months — And the First Night I Truly Felt Like Myself Again
Today ended up being more eventful — and more meaningful — than anything I’ve done in months. It began with my daughter’s Cork trials at midday, followed by the two of us racing across the city so she could make the second half of her soccer match in the afternoon. Chaos, rushing, sideline stress — but the kind I’ve missed. A small taste of normal life after a long, difficult stretch.
Afterwards, my sister picked me up for what was my first proper trip into Cork in over four months. Even the drive felt strange and exciting. She parked just 100 metres up Wellington Road — possibly not the wisest choice considering the steep hill, she was happy to find another parking space — but I was determined. So down we went: me, my crutches, and my sister’s arm, inching slowly but stubbornly into the evening.
A few weeks after my injury, she’d told me she was booking tickets for a show called The Comeback. I remember thinking, There’s no way I’ll be able to go — but go on, buy me a ticket anyway. And what a show to come back to.
We had a lovely dinner on McCurtain Street before heading into The Metropole — and from the moment we walked into the hotel, the whole place felt magical. The Christmas lights, the big tree in the lobby, the soft hum of people arriving — it was warm, Christmassy, and full of anticipation. A perfect setting for something special.
And then came the show.
The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy was nothing short of extraordinary. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The energy, the honesty, the raw truth in every story shared — it was powerful. Brenda’s guests spoke with such courage and vulnerability that you could feel the entire audience leaning in, breathing with them, hurting with them, healing with them. Their comeback stories weren’t just inspiring; they were deeply human. The kind that stay with you long after you leave.
Over the past few difficult months, Brenda’s podcast has quietly been a lifeline for me. On days when I felt worn down or overwhelmed, listening to people who had hit rock bottom and somehow found the strength to rise again made me feel less alone. The first time I heard Brenda speak was on The Long Way Back with Timmy and Tommy, where her honesty struck me immediately. Tonight, seeing her — and so many of those inspiring guests — in person made everything hit even deeper. Their resilience, their bravery, their truth… it was breathtaking.
The rushing around earlier in the day, the chaos, the hill with the crutches — all those small struggles somehow mirrored the theme of the night. Comebacks don’t have to be dramatic. They’re often just ordinary people doing their best to keep going.
And that’s exactly what The Comeback reminded me of. Whether it’s a sports pitch, a steep hill, or a life-altering event, we’re all finding our own ways to rise again. Phenomenal stories. Phenomenal guests. And a show wrapped in warmth, truth, and heart.
When the show ended, I had hoped to meet Brenda, but my sister was certain the queue would be huge, so we left. Halfway down the street, I realised I’d forgotten my jumper. So back up the hotel I went, stubbornly refusing the lift, determined to do it under my own steam.
And when I stepped back into the function room, there she was — no crowd, no queue, just her and a small group chatting quietly. It felt like it was meant to happen.
I haven’t been out much, so meeting her genuinely overwhelmed me. She was exactly as she is on her podcast and online: warm, kind, authentic. She noticed the crutches, gave me the gentlest hug, and even sorted a photo for me when my phone died. It was a small gesture on her part, but it meant everything on mine. Such a kind,humble and inspirational person
I left feeling quietly proud of myself. It wasn’t a wild night out — it was better. It was gentle, emotional, hopeful, and exactly what I needed for my first night back in the city.
Takeaways for the Reader
- Even small, quiet moments — a kind word, a hug, or a simple act of courage — can make a huge difference.
- Comebacks don’t have to look dramatic or perfect. Sometimes they’re just ordinary people finding a way to keep going.
- Showing up for yourself, even in tiny ways, is an achievement worth celebrating.
- True inspiration comes from honesty, vulnerability, and seeing others rise after falling.
- Life’s chaos — the rushing, the hills, the crutches — can actually mirror the resilience we are discovering within ourselves.
Closing Reflection
Some nights stay with you, not because of what happens, but because of how they make you feel. Last night reminded me that strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s simply getting out of bed, getting through a hill on crutches, or showing up for a night of incredible stories.
And sometimes, the best comebacks — our comebacks — are built from all of those moments, stitched together with courage, hope, and a little bit of magic.
