Ryan Tub ri dy pays visit to Tiglin after Late Late Show interview

RTE’s Ryan Tubridy paid a visit to Tiglin in Ashford recently after being inspired by a segment on The Late Late Show.

A few months back, Tubridy welcomed Paul Mahon, a graduate of the programme at the drug rehabilitation centre, and Tiglin patron Gillian Hussey onto the show, where they spoke about the important function the centre provides in helping people along the road to recovery.

Clearly the conversation struck a chord with the TV and radio presenter, who recently dropped by Tiglin, which is home to just under 40 full-time residents.

‘ Today, I have met some extraordinary people who have lived through extraordinary circumstances and have come out the other side for all the right reasons,’ said Mr Tubridy during his visit. ‘I have learned today that, as the signs says, there is life beyond addiction.’

Mr Tubridy spent the afternoon meeting former students who have gone on to accomplish success in education and business. One former student, who had been homeless and addicted to drugs, explained how he went on to set up his own business which now employs 30 people following his completion of the programme at Tiglin.

Tiglin’s Bereavement Counsellor Rosaleen Conroy explained the importance of such counselling in addiction services while Barbara Reid, manager of the day centre, described the need for addiction services in rural towns and the results they can produce.

Before Mr Tubridy left, students currently attending Tiglin hosted a barbecue to round off the day.

Phil Thompson, CEO of Tiglin, said he was delighted to have the chance to promote the centre’s work on national TV and to welcome Mr Tubridy to Tiglin to see for himself how it can help to change people’s lives.

‘It was a massive opportunity to have former student Paul Mahon and patron of Tiglin and former judge Gillian Hussey on The Late Late show a couple of months ago.

I was so pleased to welcome Ryan here as a follow-up to his interview. I think we have a friend in Ryan and it was a pleasure to introduce him to other students, graduates and the staff at Tiglin,’ said Mr Thompson.

‘We had a lovely afternoon and we look forward to seeing him again.’

Deky Byrne, Ger Hanley, Aubrey McCarthy, Ryan Tubridy, Retired Judge and Patron of Tiglin, Gillian Hussey, Phil Thompson, Rosaleen Conroy and Barbara Reid.

Ryan Tubridy with CEO Phil Thompson.

Ryan Tubridy and Aubrey McCarthy of Tiglin.

River and Ann Thompson with Ryan.