Amidst all the Valentine’s shenanigans on last night’s Late Late, Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon also made an appearance on the couch with Tubs.
He spoke thoughtfully about the death of his brother John, who passed away in London after a long battle with drug addiction.
via YouTube/The Late Late Show
He told Tubridy about the ignorance of the general public regarding addicts, and how difficult it is for addicts to reintegrate back into society, and that we should recognise their humanity and vulnerability.
‘The majority of people are uneducated about addicts….When we see addicts in the street it’s important we don’t push them away from society.”
He then spoke about the decriminalisation of drugs in Portugal, which has lead to a huge decrease in drug-related crimes and cases of HIV.
Twitter was very positive, and applauded the Ballymun man’s honesty and bravery.
Just saw @PhillyMcMahon talking honestly about how addiction hurt his family. He’s right – decriminalisation is the way forward. #latelate
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD (@AodhanORiordain) February 13, 2016
Thanks for all the kind messages, help change stigma in youths and stop pushing addicts away! #helpanaddict
— Philly Mc Mahon (@PhillyMcMahon) February 13, 2016
What a gentleman, @PhillyMcMahon Thanks for joining us on the #latelate pic.twitter.com/4DkeA9ifP8
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) February 12, 2016
Delighted @PhillyMcMahon got to tell his story on @RTELateLateShow A lot of respect 4 what he went through, to what he has become #Champion?
— EamonFennell (@EamonFennell) February 12, 2016
