Dublin's Philly McMahon appeared on RTE's Claire Byrne Live last night to discuss the issue of drugs in Ireland, and once again spoke of his belief in the decriminalisation of drugs in Ireland.
McMahon opened up about his brother's death: John McMahon died of a drugs overdose in London in 2012, aged just 31.
McMahon appeared in studio having led a five-minute slot discussing the decriminalising of drugs. McMahon explained that he "chose a pathway of sport", whereas his brother "chose a pathway of drug addiction". McMahon discussed the positive impact sport has had on his life, then explaining why he believes drugs should be decriminalised in this country, saying that we need to "take away the stigma from drug addicts and look at it as a mental health issue".
He spoke to Sinn Féin councillor Christy Burke, who agreed that the current approach to drugs in Ireland is not working.
Watch it below:
WATCH - Dublin GAA Star @PhillyMcMahon on his very personal campaign to decriminalise drugs in Ireland and change attitudes towards addicts pic.twitter.com/xzwEPrdHO3
— Claire Byrne Live (@ClaireByrneLive) October 24, 2016
McMahon earned high praise online:
A voice for those without one and a leader both on and off the field. Well done again to @PhillyMcMahon on his great interview and work pic.twitter.com/rz5nhrqOjT
— AllGAA (@AllGaa_) October 25, 2016
"We need to lift the stigma of drug addiction" This man is a true champion & not only in football. #cblive @PhillyMcMahon pic.twitter.com/2NSrJZEY3C
— Ciarán Bolger (@cbolgerr) October 24, 2016
Well said @PhillyMcMahon. #cblive
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) October 24, 2016
Drug addiction is an important conversation we need to have - current policy has failed. Fairplay @PhillyMcMahon, courageous move #cblive
— Richard (@VibesNotFadhbs) October 24, 2016
Philly McMahon is amazing, great mind 👏🏻 #ClaireByrneLive
— Amy (@HowyisImAmy) October 24, 2016
