The tragic death of Celine Cawley, a well-known Irish TV producer, sent shockwaves through Ireland when she was killed by her husband, Eamonn Lillis, at their home in Howth in December 2008. Their daughter, Georgia Lillis, has now opened up about her relationship with her father, revealing that forgiveness might have been possible—if only he had told the truth about what really happened that fateful day.

Georgia’s Journey: From Trauma to Healing

Georgia Lillis was only 16 when her mother was killed, a traumatic experience made even worse by the fact that she had to live with her father, Eamonn, as he awaited trial. Eamonn Lillis was eventually convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years and 11 months in prison, later being released in 2015. However, throughout the trial, Georgia’s trust in her father was eroded as he maintained a fabricated story about how her mother died, initially blaming a masked intruder for the crime.

In a recent interview with Dublin Live and The Mirror, Georgia reflected on the events surrounding her mother’s death. She expressed her frustration, stating, “I’ve always been brought up to tell the truth… If he had said, ‘Listen, Georgia, I did this thing, it was wrong, I fully admit to it, I’m sorry,’ then possibly I could have seen a way to forgive him.” However, Georgia emphasized that it was her father’s continued dishonesty that made forgiveness nearly impossible.

Struggling with Loss: Living in the Same House

One of the most harrowing aspects of Georgia’s story is her experience living in the same house where her mother was killed while awaiting her father’s trial. During this time, Georgia began to see through her father’s lies, recognizing his temper and aggressive tendencies. In one instance, she recounted how her father became enraged and kicked over a dog bowl. It was moments like these that made her realize how the tragedy likely unfolded. “I remember thinking, that’s how my mum died,” Georgia said in the interview.

Georgia has since cut off all contact with her father, stating she hasn’t spoken to him since his incarceration and has no desire to see him again. “To me, my dad died on December 15, 2008, as well, because the person after that was a completely different person,” she explained. Since then, Georgia has found solace in her work at an equine therapeutic riding center in Skerries, North Co. Dublin, where she helps others cope with trauma.

Celine Cawley’s Legacy

Celine Cawley, known for founding Toy Town Films and appearing in the James Bond movie A View to a Kill, was described by her daughter as a “brave, go-getter” who had no tolerance for lies or nonsense. Georgia’s memories of her mother reveal a woman who was strong, kind, and fiercely protective of her family. “She’d bend over backward to help someone,” Georgia fondly recalled.

Despite the pain of losing her mother, Georgia has managed to find a way forward, using her love of horses to heal from the trauma. However, she remains frustrated by the media’s obsession with true crime stories, especially when the voices of victims are often overshadowed by the notoriety of their killers. “I’m so sick of people glorifying murderers,” she said, reflecting on how victims’ families are often left out of the conversation.

A Daughter’s Call for Truth

Georgia Lillis’s journey from trauma to healing is a powerful story of resilience. While she has found ways to cope with her mother’s tragic death, her relationship with her father remains irreparably damaged by his continued dishonesty. Her message is clear: the truth, no matter how painful, is crucial to finding peace.

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