When sunflowers can’t see any sun they lean against one another. It’s a fitting metaphor for Siobhán Kelleher, founder of Sunflower Sessions, who believes “we must support each other in times where it feels quite dark.” We caught up with Siobhán to hear all about her Sunflower Sessions journey, keep reading to find out more.....
Sixteen-year-old Siobhán underwent six months of treatment for an eating disorder, during which she missed out on major holidays, most notably Christmas. “I thought I was going to go home but I wasn't able to,” Siobhán admits.
A kind gesture from the nursing staff made that Christmas Day a little brighter.
“We were given these little presents from the nursing staff. They were little thoughtful gifts and we could keep everything because they knew what to get that wouldn't be taken off us, it made the day a little bit better,” Siobhán says.
When Siobhán got out of treatment, she never wanted to discuss eating disorders ever again. Yet fast-forward one year later, everything changed: “I had this flashback moment where I thought I needed to give back, I just needed to help because I was so privileged to get into treatment, to receive the care and all that love and support that I had in the treatment centre.”
“I was taking it so for granted, I thought, I've got my recovery now I don't need to give back and that's just not how it works. In order for me to continue to live this full life that I had in front of me I felt I had to do something,” Siobhán reflects.
Two years post-treatment, Siobhán raised €3,000 on GoFundMe. Every single cent was invested into making a real difference. Siobhán made care packages: “originally, it was just the Galway unit, then we got so much support that I was able to make little care packages for every unit in the country. Even at that, I still had this huge chunk of money to donate to Bodywhys.”
“The following year I was reflecting on all this love in my life and all this change and growth. I was thinking, ‘what do I get out of being in recovery?’ And a big part of that was music, if I didn't get into recovery for my eating disorder, I wouldn't have been able to continue playing gigs.”
Four years ago, Siobhán took a huge leap and organised her first Sunflower Sessions gig. It sold out immediately. The show featured a stellar lineup with Florence Road, Joanna Lane and Darragh O’Dea. “It was a gig with my friends, people that I've met through playing music who I really admire and look up to.” Siobhán adds, “it was such a cool space to give people.”
Since then, Sunflower Sessions continues to bloom and bring people together. Siobhán says she has “since wrapped [herself] into a comfortable social bubble of [her] own making where [she is] constantly doing something, constantly curating, funding, organising and putting on events.” All proceeds from these events go towards making hampers, which Siobhán sends to every unit across Ireland each Christmas. Any remaining funds are donated to Bodywhys, the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders.
As Sunflower Sessions continues to reach new heights, Siobhán looks back on the experience, saying “it's crazy how much it's grown. I've got a team of volunteers who regularly work with me and I've got an official partnership with Bodywhys now. I've got a sunflower tattoo, I'm in.”
“If I can sit here and talk about the community and the love that I have in my life, I almost feel obligated to extend that to the people who are still in treatment, people who still haven't got their recovery,” Siobhán continues.
Looking back on the past four years, Siobhán organised gigs and events galore. When asked what her favourite one was, she responded with no hesitation. The Galway Rowing Club, on December 30th 2025, turned into a glamorous gala celebrating another successful year of fundraising. “My favourite thing is that I can throw parties that I want to go to and make it a fundraiser,” says Siobhán.
If you would like to get out, meet new people and donate money towards a brilliant cause - you’re in luck because Siobhán has been busy planning. Mark your calendar for October 3rd, 4th and 30th. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming November/ December dates too. Stay in the loop about future Sunflower Session events by following @sunflowersessions_galway on Instagram.
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