Seán’s journey home to Sligo!

“Originally from Ballinafad, Co. Sligo, I headed for the bright lights of London in November 1988. The plan was to work for a while, whilst I waited to be called up for An Garda Síochána. In my first week in London, I met the love of my life, Bernadette (Bernie). We were both passionate Irish music and dance lovers. In March of 1989 the call up came for the An Garda Síochána and decisions had to be made! The Garda idea was abandoned. We bought a small house in Luton and got married in St Albans, Bernie’s home town, in September 1990. Our first son Liam arrived in 1994 followed by Patrick in 1997. Bernie gave up work to mind the ads and I continued to work for the Carey group as a Plant Operative. Hours were long but providing for my family was my priority.

Patrick is now 27 and a Doctor of Science and Data Analytics at Liverpool University and is carving his way in the world. For Liam, now 30, life hasn’t been so easy. Liam has Autism and Global Development Delay. Liam needs full-time care and draws on all our energies and patience daily. Bernie’s mum (from Tyrone) and dad (from Kilkenny) helped us with the daily struggles in Luton, but sadly they have both passed away now.

My love for Sligo had never dwindled and Bernie and I decided to attempt a massive move home. My mum, dad, sisters and brother were thrilled and between us all we started making plans for “home”. After lots of juggling, we finally managed to tie down our new home in Kiltycreaghtan, just outside the town of Boyle, about fifteen minutes from my mum and dad. Safe Home Ireland were an unbelievable help to us. Little did we know the hurdles and problems that had to be sorted. The Safe Home team had all the answers. To them we will be forever thankful. On one of Karen’s visit to us, I told Karen how I had started running during Covid to clear my head! I hadn’t really ran since the Community Games as a young fellow! The running became my “out” from tough days and sleepless nights caring for Liam. My brother mentioned a Park Run and there the passion started!

Four months off my 60th birthday I’m running the Dublin marathon!

With the help of my brother, Declan and my new found friends in Boyle Athletic Club, the prep is now done and I will proudly wear my Safe Home Ireland t-shirt on Sunday 27th October 2024 as a thank you for all the support we received. Our quality of life has improved greatly since we moved home. Liam sleeps through the night (after 29 years of sleepless nights). Bernie works locally for one of my running buddies! I’m minding Liam full time and Brothers of Charity have just started supporting us. Only for the Safe Home Ireland team, my family and good friends, all of this would not have happened. Bless you all."