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Tony Duffin, the CEO of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, said that stigma against drug users is “very serious”

and that there needs to be a health-led approach to responding to drug use, rather than a criminal approach.

In this episode Tony talks to us about his upbringing in London, his Irish roots in Wexford, his family life and his work over the last 30+ years in harm reduction.

Duffin said that Ireland needs to change its laws around drugs to help address this stigma.

“Stigma is a huge issue. It does prevent people from coming forward to access treatment and rehabilitation

and other supports.

Duffin said that “In countries like Portugal, where they implemented the model of decriminalisation, which is essentially a

very good diversion scheme, they have seen stigma towards people who use drugs disappear. It took about 10 years, 15 years of treating it as a health issue before people realise and

start to say, ‘they’re not criminals, they’re people who need a bit of help’.”

Duffin added that he believes there is an important distinction between “drug use” and “problematic drug

use”,

To follow Tony's work and the work of Anna Liffey Drugs Project click below links

https://www.facebook.com/share/pSzw67HovzfHTVKv/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/analiffey?igsh=cjk5dXh2ZHlkeDlk

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In this Episode Trina speaks with Dawn Russell of the Anna Liffey Drugs Project about her work as Head of Services.

Dawn says she’s motivated because she “cares deeply about people who are

marginalised, who are judged and left out of our society”, and she is “driven to

work for them to improve their lives.”

“...I have watched with pride as Ireland proved to the world

and to ourselves that we are a compassionate, inclusive and caring society

through the marriage equality and abortion rights referenda. Now in Ireland, it’s

time for people who are battling with addictions to be understood and to be

brought into our society, from the shadows and alleyways where they are forced

to live. People with drug and alcohol addictions have value, they have rights, and

we have to work for them to be recognised. This is what motivates me every day,”

says Russell.

To follow the Dawns work and the Anna Liffey Drugs Project go to

https://www.facebook.com/share/pSzw67HovzfHTVKv/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/analiffey?igsh=cjk5dXh2ZHlkeDlk

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In this episode Trina and Sarah chat to author and advocate for victims of Domestic Abuse Lee Marks. Lee talks about his own experience and his support guide for male victims of domestic abuse called “Break the Silence. He encourages more men to seek support and says officers need more training on how better to engage with male victims of domestic abuse.

Anyone who has been impacted by the issues in this episode can contact Men's Aid on 01 554 3811 or go to the website www.mensaid.ie

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This week Sarah and Trina are joined by the Deputy Editor of the Tullamore Tribune Gearoid Keegan as they examine the murder of schoolteacher and talented musician Ashling Murphy.

We discuss the recent trial of Jozef Puska, his murder conviction and his life sentence.

From a local journalist's perspective, Gearoid takes us through what happened on the day Ashling was attacked and killed by the vicious predator as she exercised by the canal in Tullamore, County Offaly in January 2022.

He recounts how the circumstances of her murder brought his town and the nation to a standstill.

We also examine the investigation, how her attacker was tracked down and brought to justice.

This episode pays tribute to the much loved and talented Ashling who was robbed from her loved ones in such a monstrous way.

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In this powerful episode we speak with Dublin GAA legend Philly McMahon about his illustrious football career from kicking a ball in Ballymun to kicking it over the bar in Croke Park. Philly talks about his work in the community motivating young adults with social problems.

He tells us the story of his Dad who was shot in West Belfast during the troubles, was interned in the North, escaped custody, went on the run and settled in Ballymun.

The GAA star also recounts the tragic death of his older brother John in 2012 following a long battle with drug addiction.

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Sarah and Trina are joined by Micháel Campbell whose only daughter Ciara was murdered by her ex boyfriend in front of her 4 year old son in her home in County Carlow. It happened on the 12th of November 2007. Gordon Molloy from Ballickmoyler in Laois had been stalking 22 year-old Ciara for months after she ended their turbulent relationship. He had threatened to kill her and had broken into her home on numerous occasions to scare her. Ciara had been staying with friends the night before her murder and returned to the house the following morning, met her father Micháel with Jamie at the door, Micháel left for work and she made her way in with her young son. Molloy was inside her home after forcing entry the night before and lay in wait for her. He stabbed her 27 times, her son witnessed the savage attack. Micháel recounts the trauma of finding out what happened later that day and talks about the devastating impact Ciara's death has had on Jamie and the family. Micháel and Ciara's mother Paidi have met with the Parole Board to object to the murderer's 3rd application for release. They firmly believe he will kill again if he's allowed out.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY ANY OF THE ISSUES IN THE EPISODE YOU CAN CALL THE CRIME VICTIM'S HELPINE (crimevictimshelpline.ie) Freephone 116006 I WOMEN'S AID ON 1800 341 900 I MEN'S AID 01 5543811

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In the first episode of Season 2 Trina and Sarah speak with Janet O'Brien, an amazingly courageous and resilient woman who lost her son Luke to a one-punch assault in Tallaght, South West Dublin on Halloween night 2017. His killer, 21 year old Jack Hall Ellis of Lismore Road in Crumlin, a childhood friend of Luke, punched him in his words “in drunkenness and anger” on the old Blessington Road after they left a pub. 13 days later Luke who was just 20 lost his fight for life in hospital from the injuries to his brain that he sustained when he hit his head on the ground as a result of the punch. Hall Ellis had downed up to ten double shots rum that night the court heard after he pleaded guilty in 2019 to the unlawful killing of Luke O' Brien O'Reilly and he was jailed for five years. Before his release from prison late last year Luke’s mother Janet met her son’s killer as part of the Restorative Justice Process, something she sought out herself, it has to be stressed. During that meeting she showed Hall Ellis a photograph of her son as he fought for his life in hospital during those last days. Janet has kindly agreed to tell us her painful story , she believes one punch assaults should carry a minimum sentence and she would encourage more people to avail of restorative justice.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY ANY OF THE ISSUES IN THE EPISODE YOU CAN CALL THE CRIME VICTIM'S HELPINE (crimevictimshelpline.ie) Freephone 116006

Or go to Home - Restorative Justice to find out more

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The Real Lives Untold podcast is back - the first episode of Season 2 drops Wednesday 27th September.

Trina O'Connor and Sarah O'Connor are taking you on another journey through the captivating stories of more fascinating, insightful and courageous guests who talk about how their lives were devastated by murder, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and cyber bullying.

The co-hosts also speak with investigators of high profile murders and feuds and to people who have worked with criminals on the inside.

In their podcast Sarah and Trina, both of whom have a background in criminology, focus on all things crime and human interest, creating a space for people to tell their stories and raise awareness.

Sarah has worked as a Crime and Courts Correspondent and has produced and presented a number of documentaries. Trina is a criminologist and psychologist who works in the community.

Have a listen to our Season 2 Trailer.

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Today we are joined by Kathleen Chada, an incredibly inspirational woman who has been through so much since her two sons 10 year old Eoghan and 5 year old Ruadhri were murdered by their father and her then husband Sanjeev Chada ten years ago this week on the 29th July 2013.

He told Kathleen he was taking the boys bowling that Sunday evening but when they didn’t return the country’s first every child rescue Ireland alert was issued.

The boys remains were found the next day after he had murdered them and placed them in the boot and then crashed his car in Ballintubber County Mayo.

He pleaded guilty to their murders the following year.

Kathleen has written a book entitled “ Everything” as a tribute to the boys. Its been described as a beautiful though painful celebration of their young lives. But it illustrates so powerfully how its possible to rebuild your life even in the most devastating of circumstances.

Kathleen talks to Sarah and Trina about her life, her unimaginable loss , the betrayal, the potential red flags in her relationship with the boys' father, what and who has helped her over the past ten years to come to terms with losing Eoghan and Ruaidhrí.

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Today we speak to Welsh rugby star Wesley Cunliffe from Newport who in his own words says the sport saved him from a life of crime. At a very young age, as the eldest of his siblings, driven by poverty, circumstance and tragedy, he was stealing to feed his family. By the age of 13 he was recruited by a drug gang to babysit their stash, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy.

He worked for the gang to support his family. At the age of 16 he underwent life saving surgery when he was stabbed six times for a bag full of drugs after he was followed by rival gang members and set upon. This was the turning point for him.

He found rugby, developed a passion for it and with the support of family and the police he went on to play semi professional rugby and is coaching people from disadvantaged backgrounds at the school of hard knocks.

Wes chats with Sarah and Trina about his experience of being attacked and stabbed and seeing the effects on his family as he lay in hospital.

In his own words.

He talks about his semi professional career playing rugby, how he wasn't judged for where he came from or the colour of his skin when he played and continues to play . He said rugby became like a "second father" to him.

He's now helping young people who find themselves stuck in the scenarios he got involved in and diverting them away from criminal behaviour.

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