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mickfinnegan.bsky.social
Social Work Student Mental Health Advocate Campaigner
102 posts 416 followers 29 following
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2 years ago, I was drowning in alcohol to escape my past. Today, I’m sober, healing, and building a life I actually want to live. The pain didn’t disappear but neither did I #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

I refuse to give up on myself #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

Norma Foley has no plans for an inquiry into the longstanding St John Ambulance abuse. How many more must come forward? Watch this important interview with Mick Finnegan on YouTube Moth_News. @mickfinnegan.bsky.social #stjohnambulance #podcast #ireland #journalism #MOTHNews

Be patient with those healing from childhood trauma. They’re grieving what was lost while rebuilding what was never given. It’s a heavy load to carry. Kindness costs nothing

They take their photos. They draft their empty statements. Then they look away just like they always do. I am a child sexual abuse survivor. I remember. Ireland’s ‘great forgetting’ isn’t passive. It’s a choice. And it’s killing us. morningstaronline.co.uk/article/grea... #CSA

Tonight in therapy, I sat with fear and grief two emotions that have a way of carving deep spaces inside us. Fear whispers ‘you can’t,’ grief whispers ‘it’s over’ but courage? It’s just showing up anyway. Some days, progress looks like tears. #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

To go from having a stroke, being diagnosed with sarcoidosis (34% lung function), having a cardiac loop monitor placed in my chest and getting sober and doing my best to battle my demons it's all been a bit surreal if I'm honest. Never thought I'd be able to do this #SoberLife

Overwhelmed by all the support today. Unbelievable experience. Can't believe I ran the London Marathon. Special thank you to everyone that made a donation to support the vital work of the Salvation Army. justgiving.com/page/mickfin... #LondonMarathon2025 #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

Every sober day is an act of defiance, a refusal to let my past control me any longer. This road has been fucking hard, but it’s been worth it. I’m learning to cope without destruction, to sit with my pain instead of running from it, and to believe that I deserve to be happy 😊 #SoberLife

Roll on Sunday 👊🏻 #LondonMarathon

It's mental to think about how far I've come. I rebuilt my life, and went back to school last year to become a social worker. Now, I’m running 26.2 miles 😬 not for time, but for every breath, every step and every comeback. If you’re fighting your own battle, keep going. It's worth it ❤️

It is deeply misleading for Norma Foleys department to claim that St. John Ambulance Ireland has proactively engaged with or provided meaningful outreach to survivors of abuse. www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...

My letter in the Irish Examiner #ChildProtection

There is a sickening rhythm to Irish scandals. The exposé. The hand-wringing. The solemn promises of reform. And then with depressing predictability the great forgetting.

Happy Friday. Not the easiest of weeks. But feeling much better after my sarcoid flare up. Heading into my social work placement this morning. Not long now and it's the summer break & I'll have finally finished my first year. I got there in the end and that's all that matters 😜

I had a nice weekend. Roll on next week I've got exams and assignments for University that I need to finish off

The support I get from my therapist, RMN, GP, psychiatrist & psychologist is the reason I'm doing really well in life. Nearly finished my first year as a student social worker. Lecturers have been incredibly supportive & my placement supervisor has been brilliant. I'm buzzing 😊

600 days sober today. Every sunrise feels brighter, every step feels lighter. Grateful for the clarity, strength, and second chances. If you're on this path too keep going. It’s worth it. #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

The Government's response to a call in the Seanad for a public inquiry into St John Ambulance Ireland (SJAI), has been described by one abuse survivor as "a bureaucratic checklist"

The team I help out and coach with and the one I play for won this weekend. Overall I had a great weekend filled with rugby, running, catching up with friends and getting my assignments finished off for University

I was sitting at the beach earlier and I was reflecting on everything. Never thought I’d get sober or have a life worth living. Hearing 'you’re doing ok' from my psychologist, therapist and team mates this week hit differently. Progress isn’t always loud, but it’s real.

Today I'm 42 years old & 566 days sober. From spending birthdays alone in pubs, drowning in trauma, to training for the London Marathon & working toward becoming a social worker. Healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible. Proud of how far I’ve come ❤️

If you told me a couple of years ago I'd be spending my Sunday mornings running. I probably would have laughed at ya and told ya to get the pints in 🤣 #TherapyWorks #SoberLife

The picture on my left was a couple of years ago. I was drinking heavily, not talking about how I was feeling or dealing with the trauma I experienced as a child. The picture on the right was taken this morning. Be the love you never received ❤️ #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

Two years ago today. Survivors and Supporters stood outside St John Ambulance Ireland HQ to protest the organisations delay in publishing Judge Shannon's review into historical child sexual abuse. For all those who continue to support us. Thank you ❤️

Had a meeting earlier today with my tutor to do a review of my progress after semester one. They're really happy with my progress and I couldn't be happier right now. Buzzing 😊 #SocialWorkStudent

It is hard being reminded about the lack of accountability when it comes to Judge Shannon's review. I'm trying so hard to move on and build a life. But I get nights like tonight where I'm upset because we were only children when we were groomed, sexually abused, and raped.

Sitting here watching the rugby and it's crazy to think how I grew up in the flats and ended up getting into rugby, being coached by legends like Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell. Life takes you on some mad journeys! #6Nations

Just in the door from my run this morning. I do pinch myself when I look in the mirror and see how much I've changed since I stopped drinking alcohol. Not so much the physical side of things.....it's the running. I really enjoy it and it's mad how much it helps me #SoberLife #TherapyWorks

It's younger looking I'm getting 😂🤣 #TherapyWorks #SoberLife

My 6 Nations Predictions: Ireland 🇮🇪 France 🇫🇷 Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Italy 🇮🇹 #6nations2025

Just out of another therapy session with Norah at Canal Communities in Inchicore. 2 years ago I started working with her because I used alcohol to manage my feelings and emotions due to the child sexual abuse I experienced in St John Ambulance Ireland. I'm 538 days sober today #TherapyWorks

I've lost about 65kgs since I've stopped drinking. I keep punching holes in my belt so I can keep my jeans up. Probably should get a new pair 🤣 anyway I'm back running tomorrow. I have a marathon to run in April 😬

Surprised at how well I'm doing. I've never had this level of stability.....ever. Took a moment to reflect on it today. I'm doing well on my social work degree. Instead of going to the pub I go to therapy and as a result I'm able to maintain my sobriety. #TherapyWorks #SoberLife

Looking forward to playing some rugby at the weekend

Hard aul training session tonight

A hard couple of weeks dealing with being sick and trying my best to navigate the Christmas period. It wasn't easy but I'm really happy with my continued progress and fitness goals #TherapyWorks #SoberLife

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That picture made me look for @mickfinnegan.bsky.social to see if he was here. Now following..

What a fucking year. It's been great. You've been great. The support and kind words from so many of you have helped me get through some really dark and lonely days. Thank you so much for the encouragement and advice over the last 12 months. You've been brilliant ❤️ #HappyNewYear

I'm really proud of myself for getting through this year sober. It was challenging in parts. But overall it was a great year. I got back into studying social work and passed my first semester. I'm really happy with the life I'm building for myself. 😊

Banning soup kitchens giving out free food in Dublin is a short-sighted and cruel policy. The government should tackle the housing crisis and lack of social services, not punish those trying to survive. This "out of sight, out of mind," approach will do more damage than good

Volunteering yesterday reminded me of my own journey and how far I've come since my days of sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in their shoes, struggling just to get by. There’s always a way forward, even when it feels impossible. ❤️

Spent my Christmas Day volunteering at the local day centre for rough sleepers. It's always humbling to share a warm meal, hear their stories, and offer a little comfort during what is a difficult time for many. Grateful for the chance to give back. Merry Christmas 🎄

500 days sober today. I'm still learning to navigate this new terrain, to find joy in the present moment, and to heal the wounds of the past. But with each passing day, I feel stronger, more confident, and more grateful. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.