As part of Recovery Month, the Rutland Centre’s annual Medallion Ceremony took place last Sunday (8th Sept) afternoon at Dublin's Concert Hall. The intimate and private event welcomed more than 80 individuals, their families and supporters who have reached milestones in their addiction recovery and reinforced the importance of a strong support system in the recovery process. The event marked an annual milestone for most but some had reached significant milestones of 5, 20, 30, 34 and 40-year anniversaries.
One of the recipients of the 5-year medallion was Chris Joyce from Galway, who celebrated five years free of gambling addiction. Chris has become an inspiring figure within the Rutland Centre and the wider recovery community and organised the recent abseil fundraiser at Croke Park, an event that raised awareness and vital funds for addiction recovery programs. The GAA fan continues to use the tools he learnt at The Rutland.
Chris Joyce commented, "Five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined standing here today. The Rutland Centre gave me the tools I needed to rebuild my life, and the abseil fundraiser was my way of giving back to the community that saved me. I’m deeply grateful for the support I’ve received, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to take that first step towards recovery."
The Medallion Ceremony offers a unique opportunity for recipients like Chris and their families to reflect on the progress made in their recovery journeys. It highlights the transformative role of the Rutland Centre in helping individuals reclaim their lives from addiction. This year's ceremony is particularly significant as it provides a space to celebrate the courage and resilience of those in recovery, while also raising awareness of addiction recovery in Ireland during September’s Recovery Month.
Maebh Mullany, CEO of The Rutland Centre, said: "The Medallion Ceremony is one of the most cherished events we host. It showcases the profound impact that comprehensive treatment and continued support can have on individuals and their families. The medallions symbolise not just the passage of time, but the enduring strength and commitment required to overcome addiction. Each represents a profound journey of growth and transformation, offering a powerful moment of recognition for recipients, their families, and the community.”
Pictured are Sean Kelty, recipient of a 40 year medallion, Maebh Mullany Rutland Centre CEO and Chris Joyce, recipient of a 5 year medallion.
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