English Red Cross’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to Tony Geoghegan, a leading advocate addressing homelessness and drug dependency problems. Geoghegan, a co-founder of Merchants Quay Ireland, launched the organisation in 1989 with an aim to assist those battling against homelessness and severe stress due to drug abuse. These efforts have been recognised by the Red Cross, which commended his continuous emphasis on the escalating drug-abuse issues, the dearth of addiction centres, and rapidly rising homelessness rates in Ireland.
Geoghegan, a qualified addiction counsellor and clinical supervisor, has also chaired the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland foundation. His collaborative initiative in 1989 alongside Father Sean Cassin, named the Merchants Quay Project, underwent transition in 2001 to become Merchants Quay Ireland, and currently employs over 200 individuals who are servicing extensively throughout Ireland.
Upon receipt of the award, an honoured yet astonished Geoghegan expressed how surreal an experience it was to receive an award for something he loves doing. He proudly declared that he had been privileged to have worked in fields related to drug addiction and homelessness, despite them being fraught with challenges.
He did, however express disappointment over the large number of homeless children, family units and individuals on the streets, alongside the proliferation of addiction issues. He contemplated that there was still a lot to be achieved in this sector.
Geoghegan urged for concerted and coordinated efforts from lawmakers and those in power to address these systemic issues. He emphasised on the need for a more compassionate approach, tolerance, determination, and proactive risk mitigation, besides an aspiration for significant improvements in tackling the challenges associated with drug addiction and homelessness.
Deirdre Garvey, the secretary general of the IRC, highlighted the remarkable work of Mr Geoghegan who aids some of society’s most at-risk individuals. She described his efforts as truly inspirational, setting a powerful example of stepping in to support individuals tackling adversities not of their own making.
The IRC Humanitarian Awards are an annual event honouring finalists chosen across five different categories, with a special award for Lifetime Achievement.
The vital work of humanitarians deserving recognition was underscored by Pat Carey, IRC chairman. He emphasised the importance that such contributions to Irish society be acknowledged, given their significant influence as examples to all. The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards are designed to applaud and spotlight such key contributors and the remarkable work they undertake.