Oisín McConville to address Tarbert event on addiction

THERE will be plenty on offer in Tarbert Community Centre next Monday evening as recovery advocate Paddy Creedon chairs “A Life beyond our Wildest Dreams”, an event at which a range of inspiring guests will talk about living in recovery.

Among those set to speak is former Armagh senior footballer and All-Ireland medallist Oisín McConville, who will share his story of falling victim to gambling addiction as he struggled to replicate the buzz of playing sport.

Oisín, perhaps best known in Kerry for scoring a crucial goal in the 2002 All-Ireland final as Armagh sank Kerry, will open up about his darkest days, his rehabilitation after the closure of his pub, his life in recovery as he faced down his addiction, and his life today with wife Darina and his two sons.

Other speakers on the night will include husband and wife David and Lucy Brown, both experienced contributors in this field.

David grew up in the North of England, moved to the US in the 1970s and on this, his second visit to Ireland, he will talk about being sober over the last 34 years or so.

His wife Lucy, who was educated in Minnesota in the US, is an addiction professional, an interventionist, mentor, public speaker and educator who has lived in Kansas since 1993.

A proud woman in recovery, the mother-of-three will talk about a family intervention 35 years ago that brought a very young and sick Lucy into her life in recovery.

Held in memory of Tom Donovan and supported by the Thomas Lydon Foundation, admission to the 8.30pm event is free of charge, and a cup of tea and a chat is available for all.