The understanding and treatment of alcoholism and addiction in Ireland suffered a great loss recently on the death of Bob Brissett. Having been through treatment himself in Hazeid en, Minnesota in 1970, Bob worked as a counsellor in the US and it was there that Sister Eileen Fahey met him.
Sister Eileen's firsthand knowledge and experience of the devastation of alcoholism in Ireland convinced him to come here in 1983, to set up Aiseiri in Cahir and in 1984 in Wexford. Thus, two residential treatment centres with very special qualities came into being. Bob's commitment to the 12 step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, based on attraction rather than coercion, and Sister Eileen's belief in respecting the dignity and humanity of the "guests" ensured success.
Bob's American brand of candour had a particularly effective way of cutting through the fog of confusion and bewilderment that alcoholics or addicts suffer when first confronting their problems. This, coupled with a great sense of humour and wit, was for many irresistible and therefore doubly effective. This was born more from his natural desire to help the suffering, than from any formal training.
A month's mind Mass was celebrated in Bob's memory in Aiseiri, Cahir, on Sunday, March 7th. The greatest respect anyone could pay Bob's memory is to continue his work in whatever way we can in his spirit of humanity, good humour and good will.