Oisin McConville at Carlow Library

Carlow County Library

Speaking on gambling addiction on Thursday 2nd July

If you were to mention the name Oisin McConville to any GAA supporter, they would speak in awe of his football achievements.

Often called “a true legend of the modern game” you would expect this Crossmaglen Rangers and Armagh hero to walk with the swagger that public recognition often brings.  The Oisin McConville who arrived in Carlow Library on Thursday 2^nd July was very different than expected. Although handsome and charming, there was a humbleness and openness about Oisin that made you warm to Oisin the man and forget about Oisin the GAA superstar.

Oisin McConville paid a visit to Carlow Central Library on Thursday 2^nd July. He spoke to a large audience about a very real and escalating problem in Ireland today. Oisin spent 16 years of his life trapped in gambling addiction, an escalating silent addiction that is becoming more prevalent in Ireland. He spoke to a large audience about a very personal and real problem and the impact that it had on not just his life, but the lives of his family, friends and team mates. He spoke of the confident public persona he portrayed and explained how underneath he was facing an everyday uphill battle, just to get out of his bed. “Gambling addiction knows no boundaries,” Oisin explained to the audience in Carlow Library. “It doesn’t care about age, race, religion, sex or social status,” he added.

“Gambling among young people is a very real and escalating problem,” says Benny Mills, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing committee for Carlow County GAA Board. “Oisin's story is very real and honest. He spoke of the shame, the secrecy, the self loathing, and finally the relief of seeking help.”

“This is the first time that Carlow Library and Carlow County GAA Board have collaborated on a project. It is a fantastic opportunity for two such diverse organisations to come together and combine forces to address a very real problem in modern Ireland. We at Carlow Library took this opportunity to introduce our 'Mind Matters' to a new audience. The Mind Matters collection covers support and information for hard hitting problems such as addiction and mental health. The collection also offers information on mindfulness and other tools to help support the readers through difficult phases in their lives,” added Jannette O Brien, Carlow Library.

Oisin's story is one of triumph over a personal difficult journey and gives a glimmer of hope to all of those directly or indirectly affected by addiction. Now happily married with two small children, Oisin works with adults with learning difficulties and still finds time to train his beloved Crossmaglen Rangers and give tirelessly to those who need help with their addiction. 

Oisin considers himself one of the lucky ones. He attributes his success to a combination of finally having the courage to ask for help and the tremendous support of his family and friends.

Oisins visit is available to watch on the Carlow County Library You Tube Channel.