Cuan Mhuire Addiction Centre marks 40 years of helping families through the darkest of days

On the 29th June 1984 Kerry-born Sisters of Mercy Nun, Sr Consilio Fitzgerald opened an addiction centre in Northern Ireland - and in those 40 years, the centre has supported thousands through the turmoil of addiction.

In the 40 years since the Cuan Mhuire Centre in Newry opened, it has supported individuals and their families through the darkest of days. Sr Consilio and her committed and dedicated team have helped restore hope and change the lives of many thousands from throughout the country.

Little did she realise back in 1984 when arriving in Newry with her small group of supporters of the impact that Cuan Mhuire would have. Sr Consilio and Cuan Mhuire is respected and appreciated by families and communities from all traditions and backgrounds.

Read more: Belfast man on going from having cocaine for breakfast to turning life around

Read more: Newry dad-of-two opens up on pain of alcoholism and his mission to help others

Pat McGinn, from Camlough arrived in Cuan Mhuire Newry as a resident for the last time over 30 years ago, courtesy of two loving AA members and after "a week long binge".

Speaking openly about his journey, he said: "I had visited Cuan Mhuire Newry before and had known Sr Consilio but always thought Cuan Mhuire Newry wasn’t a place I would end up in, nowadays I call that thinking ‘full of stinking pride’. Little did I know that it would save my life.

"I was placed in detox a dormitory type room and to be honest all I wanted to do was sleep and hopefully not wake up. I remember a man Francie-John Kelly a great friend and supporter of Cuan Mhuire Newry calling into the detox, to see if anyone new was in and give them a wee hello and a few cigarettes if needed.

"Francie- John shook my hand and asked me my age He said, ‘young fella grasp this chance, this can be the beginning of a new life’.

"Sr Consilio was up in Newry and called to see me telling me that the way I was behaving I’d loose my wife and family and eventually my life. I told her that it didn’t matter whether I died or not, ‘nobody cares’ I said. She took my hand and said ‘Pat McGinn, I care’, it is something I will never forget."

Pat says he has stayed away from alcohol and mind altering substances a day at a time since the day he left Cuan Mhuire. And he said whilst he has made "plenty of mistakes in life since then", the one mistake he hasn't made was to lift the first drink.

"I stayed close to Cuan Mhuire and many of those who helped me start my journey of recovery and am proud to call Sr Consilio, Sr Agnes and all involved with leading the Cuan Mhuire organisation over the years, my friends," he added.

"Whilst I wish I had the deep faith in Sr Consilios dear friend ‘Our Lady’, I know that what I encountered in Cuan Mhuire renewed my faith in God and I continue to nurture that faith. My own wife and family view all in Cuan Mhuire as our family. We are welcome in any of the Cuan Mhuire facilities throughout Ireland.

"My sons continue to visit Cuan Mhuire,help out where appropriate and importantly raise much needed funds.

"I remember back when I was a resident that I had no money to pay for staying in Cuan Mhuire, and I was afraid I would be put out. I really didn’t want to leave as I felt that if I left at that time I’d have no chance of recovery.

"I told Sr Consilio I had no money to give in for staying, she told me ‘That’s alright, you have the rest of your life to pay it and you will if you get yourself well’.

"I continue to spend my life paying back Cuan Mhuire for the chance it give me, not as a debt unpaid, but in gratitude."

Speaking at Cuan Mhuire Newry 40th celebrations last week, First Minister Michelle O Neill said: "A great day marking 40 years of the Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre in Newry, with the launch of new state-of-the-art apartments for those in need.

"The founders, volunteers, and staff deserve the highest praise for their unwavering dedication and tremendous work over these four decades. Their commitment has made a positive difference to the lives of over 25,000 people, providing not just treatment but hope and the chance of a new beginning in life.

"They have walked with countless people through their most challenging hour, helping them reclaim their lives. A special acknowledgement goes to the men and women currently receiving support at Cuan Mhuire. It was my pleasure to meet you.

"Your strength and courage are inspirational, and there is no doubt that brighter days are ahead for each of you

"Thank you all for a wonderful day and for 40 years of work, you are all incredible."

Cuan Mhuire sees the goodness in everyone who comes to our centres and supports them on their journey from addiction to hope. If you need support, please call 028 3084 9010 or if you would like to get involved with fundraising, please contact Vicki at vewart@cuanmhuire.ie or call 07842 431470.

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