Dublin's Philly McMahon appeared on Irish television last night and spoke candidly about the loss of his brother John. who died at the age of just 31 in 2012.
During the course of the interview, McMahon said ''everything I am today is because of him. I've seen the pain he's gone through with drugs, and that's probably why I've taken up sport and business."
The formidable defender went on to explain the science behind drug addiction, and also insisted that it is the moral duty of our society to protect drug users where possible.
He also advised that we should consider decriminalising drugs in Ireland.
Thanks for all the kind messages, help change stigma in youths and stop pushing addicts away! #helpanaddict
— Philly Mc Mahon (@PhillyMcMahon) February 13, 2016
"When we see addicts in the street, it's important that we don't push them away from society. Social media is so dangerous at the minute and you have people taking pictures of addicts on the street. It's very dangerous because that addict won't want to come back into society.
"The idea of decriminalising drugs comes from Portugal where the rate of drug abuse has dropped dramatically. They've reduced HIV and drug overdose and now they can control everyone who is an addict. They tax the drug which means they push the drug dealers out".
Since the interview went to air, the online tributes to McMahon have been streaming in:
Much more to #Gaa players than just the game. A lot of untapped potential out there. Well done @PhillyMcMahon
— Niall McNamee (@niallmc14) February 12, 2016
Fair play @PhillyMcMahon Good job! #LateLateShow
— Dick Clerkin (@dickclerkin8) February 12, 2016
Philly McMahon there proving GAA players can be both articulate and interesting if given half a chance to speak honestly
— ConorMcKeon (@ConorMcKn) February 12, 2016
Philly McMahon surprised me there, as a Mayo man I didn't think I'd warm to him at all. But he spoke very well about drugs #latelate
— Niall McGarry (@MrNiallMcGarry) February 12, 2016
Well done to Philly Mcmahon on his Late Late interview last night. An inspirational young man removing stigma. @DubGAAOfficial
— Cllr Christy Burke (@ChristyBurkGE16) February 13, 2016
Philly McMahon was brilliant on the Late Late, players shouldn't be personally abused for how they are on the pitch
— Eoin Geraghty (@EoinGeraghty98) February 12, 2016
Philly McMahon speaking very well on the late late show
— Cillian (@murrayc99) February 12, 2016
Philly McMahon is on late late show 👌ðŸ»ðŸ™ŒðŸ» top gent...up the dubs #latelateshow
— masko o (@masko21) February 12, 2016
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