When I arrived in the Netherlands, I'd very little, but I did have hope, hope that my circumstances would change. Since then, I’ve been working towards building a new path and I’m now training to become a social worker here. It’s been a challenging journey, but a life changing one.

Sociaal werk studeren in Nederland en tegelijkertijd werken met mensen die dakloos zijn, is zowel uitdagend als waardevol. Nederlands leren is niet makkelijk, maar elke stap vooruit helpt me om beter contact te maken en me meer thuis te voelen. #Nederland #SociaalWerk

Sitting here having a coffee after my shift today reflecting on the last couple of weeks. Some big changes on the horizon

As I continue my journey in the Netherlands as a student social worker & Woonbegeleider with Leger des Heils, I’m proud to share that I’m now a member of BPSW. This is an important step in my professional development and in staying connected to the wider social work community.

Enjoyed my walk along the Spaarne today

Leaving everything familiar behind, starting over somewhere I didn’t know anyone, not even the language. It felt overwhelming at the time. But somehow, taking that leap turned into the best decision I’ve ever made. Funny how the scariest choices can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

From inner city Dublin to the cobblestones of the Netherlands. 958 days sober. What once felt impossible is now my everyday life. I fucking love the life I’m slowly building for myself. Sobriety gave me more than freedom. It gave me a future 😊 #nederland #holland #soberlife

Today’s Sunday Independent article shares part of my story. It’s not easy to keep talking about this, what happened to me should never have been allowed to happen, and there are still serious questions to answer. I’m focused now on rebuilding my life and training to help others.

If you had told me back when I was homeless in Dublin then that life could be like this, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, proving it to myself every single day. Sobriety didn’t just change my life, it gave me one.

Great to be at Leger Des Heils Social Work Day in the beautiful city of Leiden and reconnect with my team and colleagues from across the Netherlands. As long as there are vulnerable people in our communities, I will continue to stand with them and advocate for change. #SocialWork #SociaalWerk

Cracking day today. Heading to a social work conference tomorrow & looking forward to meeting colleagues from across the Netherlands Weer een mooie dag vandaag. Morgen naar een conferentie over sociaal werk en ik kijk ernaar uit om collega’s uit heel Nederland te ontmoeten #SocialWork #SociaalWerk

Today I shared my research on The Journey of Syrian Refugees as part of my social work assessment. Grateful to everyone who trusted me with their stories and allowed me to amplify their lived experience. #SocialWork #RefugeeVoices #StudentResearch

On placement today at a homeless drop-in centre as a student social worker. It was a cold day, but thanks to a local bakery donating bread, no one went hungry. Moments like this reinforce why community, compassion, and practical support are so important and why I choose this path #SocialWork

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There was a time I was just trying to survive being homeless, traumatised, and numbing pain with alcohol. This year, I lived. From marathon finish lines to my 3rd sober Christmas and now heading into Year 2, Semester 2 of social work. Roll on 2026. Happy New Year 🎊

This was my 3rd sober Christmas. Hardest work of my life. I got here by facing the trauma I spent years trying to outrun. I drank to survive my childhood. I got sober to take my life back. #TherapyWorks #SoberLife

This Christmas was genuinely so nice. My third Christmas sober, and it just keeps getting better. I was present, calm, actually felt everything, the laughs, the quiet moments, the gratitude. No chaos, no regret, just real joy. I fucking loved it.

Sitting on the sofa watching Love Actually and having a bit of a Hallmark moment. Feeling the love tonight. Thanks for all the kind messages, they mean more than you'll ever know. I hope you all have a great Christmas🎄🎁 ⛄ 🎅🏻 😊

I’ve never been big on Christmas, but the last couple have been good ones. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, I hope it treats you kindly. Wishing everyone a good one, in whatever way that looks for you. Merry Christmas 🎄

Grief is like living two lives. One is where you pretend that everything is alright and the other is where your heart silently screams in pain. 8 years ago today, my little brother Ciarán overdosed on heroin and died alone in a homeless night shelter in Dublin.

I stopped numbing and started listening. #TherapyWorks #SoberLife

I finished year 2, Semester 1 today. Really proud of the progress I’ve made so far. It’s been challenging and rewarding, and a great reminder of why I chose social work in the first place. Looking forward to semester 2 and pushing on to complete my second year.

134 years between us and we're still playing rugby 😂

Nice to get this in the post today. I don’t normally get many cards. Always try my best to give back to @salvationarmyuk.bsky.social They helped me when I was homeless as a kid in Dublin. Proud to fundraise and shine a light on the work they do.

I’m building a future I never thought possible #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

I volunteer at a day centre for people experiencing homelessness, and every year there’s always a Christmas tree. It might seem small, but it carries real dignity and a reminder that everyone deserves beauty and a sense of belonging.

That's the tree sorted 🎄 #Christmas2025

The past few years have taken me through some of the darkest and brightest moments of my life. I’ve never had this level of stability or happiness before, and I’m genuinely proud of how far I’ve come. #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

Getting some amount of grey in the aul beard

Good to get the win with the lads today #Rugby

What used to be about survival has transformed into purpose. Every class, every late-night study session, every moment of reflection reminds me why I chose this journey, because hope is real. Recovery is real and sometimes the hardest chapters become the ones we’re most proud of.

That was nice 😋

Grateful beyond words for the life I have today. Sobriety gave me clarity, peace, and a chance to become the person I was always meant to be. Every day I wake up proud of how far I’ve come. #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

Today marks 800 days sober. To everyone who's been part of this journey, thank you. Your support, kindness, and understanding have made all the difference. And to anyone still fighting the battle, don't give up. The life waiting on the other side is better than you can imagine.

A few years ago I was neutropenic, I had 34% lung function, diagnosed with advanced sarcoidosis, had a stroke and got a cardiac loop monitor placed in my chest. This year I ran the London Marathon, started my 2nd year in college all while maintaining my sobriety 😊 #TherapyWorks

Let’s keep breaking the stigma not just with awareness days, but with empathy in how we treat each other every day. The smallest act of kindness, the gentlest conversation, or the courage to say “I’m not okay” can change a life. #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD25 #MentalHealth

Rest in peace Don O'Leary. Through the Cork Life Centre, he gave hope, love, and a future to young people who had been written off by the system. He believed in second chances in people, in life and what’s possible when someone truly cares.

Sobriety gave me back my life. 778 days of feeling, healing, and growing. It hasn’t been easy, but every day sober is a victory. I don’t run from my feelings anymore or numb the pain of my past. #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

I can’t quite put into words what it means to see this step finally being taken. After so many years, it feels surreal. Thank you to everyone who has stood with me and with other survivors, believed us, and offered support in the darkest times. www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...

The dream team 😊 #SocialWorkStudents

2 Years ❤️ #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

Two years ago, my hands shook, my past screamed, and my future was a door I couldn't open. I carried the weight of years spent numbing pain stitched into my bones before I knew how to live. But I stood up anyway. One day. Then another. Then hundreds more. #SoberLife

I was raped and sexually abused by a senior member of St John Ambulance. For years, thae system failed us. Now, @ivanabacik & other politicians in Ireland are demanding a public inquiry but we need action, not words. Listen to my interview this morning on @LMFMRADIO shows.acast.com/67c5d757b48a...

It’s the little things and the people around me that keep me smiling. Life’s too short not to celebrate those tiny moments of joy. I'm gonna keep challenging myself going forward to smile more in photos not just for the ‘gram, but because my happiness is worth remembering. 😊 #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

I was groomed, sexually abused and violently raped as a child in St John’s Ambulance Ireland. The man who did it was never charged. We need a full public inquiry no more silence. Thank you @ivanabacik.bsky.social for standing with survivors. www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...

In 8 days, I'll be 2 years sober 😊 Hard road, but worth every step. Grateful for my amazing friends, therapist, psychologist, RMN & psychiatrist. I could not have done it without them ❤️ #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

Busy day but it was good catching up with London friends who came to visit me. Did another interview on the stalled implementation of Judge Shannon’s St John Ambulance recommendations. Working on something that could challenge both the organisation and the State’s inaction. More soon.

Last night tested me in ways I didn’t expect. A wedding. A free bar. I've been here before with countless messy nights out. The old script was written..blackout, regret, shame. But this time? I stayed present. I danced, laughed, and celebrated without losing myself. #SoberLife

16 years ago today, I stood on a bridge in London ready to end my life. This year I ran across it. I couldn’t cope with being groomed as a kid, sexually abused & silenced by shame. It’s been a hard road with hospital stays, setbacks & starting over. I’m still here & I'm glad I stayed.

702 days sober today. Coming up on two years this August. Letting go of drinking wasn’t easy, but it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. I wouldn’t have the life I have now without it. Grateful for the journey. If you’re struggling, just know change is possible #SoberLife