The husband of the late award-winning author Emma Hannigan has revealed that a documentary is to be screened by RTÉ.
The popular novelist, who had 14 novels published, died following a very public 11 year battle with breast cancer in March last year.
The Wicklow native’s heart wrenching social media post, just two weeks prior to her passing detailing how she was losing her cancer battle, saw an outpouring of emotion from hundreds of thousands of members of the public, reading fans and authors both nationally and internationally.
The 45-year-old mother of two’s novel, The Gift of Friends, which was released in February centres around fractured families, unconditional love and the importance of friendship, went straight to number one in the best sellers list.
Her husband Cian, posted a sneak peek of the documentary, The Life and Times of Emma Hannigan, which is to be aired on May 7, to his wife’s official Facebook page.
He posted: “Just a little snippet from the documentary that RTÉ kindly did about Emma. It will air on Tuesday, May 7 at 7pm. I hope you will enjoy it. Cian”
The documentary also documents the late cancer awareness advocate friendship with renowned chef, Rachel Allen, of Ballymaloe Cookery School, author Cathy Kelly and Olympic gold medalist and lightweight female world champion boxer Katie Taylor.
In the clip, Taylor says, “I couldn’t believe how encouraging she was. She was a person to look to. But she was the one who was saying to me that she looked up to me and that I was her hero. I just couldn’t believe that. I just think she was the most humble person I ever came across.”
Hundreds of fans took to Ms Hannigan’s Facebook page with one posting; “I so miss Emma so much. I’m so looking forward to seeing this programme of the two of you. (You both) were so wonderful together and Sacha and Kim (children) they were her world. Her Dad was absolutely amazing on the Late Late show. Emma loved her glitter, she was an inspiration, she fought hard (and) never gave up ‘til the end.”
Emma was an ambassador for the charity Breast Cancer Ireland and raised more than €135,000 before she died on March 3 and was honoured through an eponymously named fellowship created by the charity.
The charity tweeted that they, ”Can't wait to watch what's sure to be a fitting tribute to our dear friend Emma Hannigan.”
When revealing the devastating news of her imminent death Emma said: “All good things must come to an end. The time that I knew was borrowed must be given back soon, so it seems.
“The conversation I never wanted to have has been said. “My medical team have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this fight but all avenues have now been exhausted.”
She spoke openly about her love for her teenage children, son Sacha, daughter Kim, husband Cian, parents, family, friends and fans adding that her love for them has been integral to her life.
