Sharing a room with 30 other troubled souls
By Maurice Garvey
A promising footballer in his youth, Eoin Greene was the type of playmaker many figured would go places.
The Tallaght native, older brother of Shamrock Rovers striker Aaron Greene, dazzled for his local side Kilnamanagh FC, and would likely have progressed towards pro-football but for a collapse into addiction, namely alcohol and cocaine abuse.
Eoin Greene at the Homeless World Cup trials at the Postal Club last Wednesday
Twelve months ago, Eoin (31) was spending his nights at homeless hostels in the city centre, sharing a room with 30 other troubled souls, and starting to believe this was how life would pan out.
“It was bad, you have 30 people using, maybe 15 on heroin, seven or eight on crack, the rest on drink,” said Eoin.
“You have to tie your clothes up, sleep with your phone in your pocket. There is a lot of fighting. It is crazy and the situation in town is just getting worse and worse. People will rob you for €10 for a fix. There is not enough services, but there will never be enough.”
In the midst of the madness, a glimmer of light led to Eoin discovering Coolmine addiction services.
Six months ago he entered a rehab programme at Coolmine, and has turned his life around to such a degree, that he is on the verge of representing the Republic of Ireland in the Homeless World Cup finals in Wales this July.
“The great thing about Coolmine is a structure they have, different phases. They taught me a lot about addiction. I worked hard, found out a bit about myself, did my FAI badges in Coolmine and I’m hoping to progress to my Leinster Senior B Licence.”
Countless times during the interview, Eoin repeats how lucky he was to have the support of his father, brother, sister, three daughters, and his partner Ashling, mother of their young baby.
“It is great to have the support of my partner Ashling and my family. I come from a good background, a good father, brother and sister. I had plenty of opportunities but addiction got the better of me.
“Family support is great. If you haven’t got that, and I have seen it with people, they end up back at it.”
While in Coolmine, Eoin started taking part in the Irish Street Leagues football programme in Pearse House.
“Football is my life and passion, along with my three girls,” he said.
“I’ve played it all my life. In Coolmine, we’d go to Pearse House every week, play with people from different backgrounds. It is a good way to vent and get it out.
“For a lot of people on the streets, to feel part of something is good for morale. It can lead to the next stage, training, a job, a place to live, kids.”
Twelve months on from holding onto his belongings for dear life in a hostel dormitory, Eoin can finally plan for a better future.
“I got a two-bed in Saggart, I’m blessed, it is a fresh start,” he said.
“I’m back involved with Tallaght City the last three to four weeks, hopefully we will enjoy a cup run.”
Eoin plans to stay involved with Coolmine, to help youngsters stay on the right path.
“I’d love to coach kids, particularly teenagers, give them advice of someone who was nearly a professional footballer. It is ok to be vulnerable and ask for help. I didn’t and it really destroyed me. But I have a lot of good friends in Kilnamanagh.
“When I was in hostels, I thought I would be in there forever. I had to do it for my three girls and lucky to have family.”
