Dropkick star helps fight against substance abuse

An organisation founded by Dropkick Murphys star Ken Casey has made a $15,000 donation to a charity that helps people overcome drink and drug dependencies.

Ken Casey copyright eastscene cc2
Ken Casey

The Gavin Foundation is based in South Boston and helps over 4,000 people a year who have suffered substance abuse. They have youth, adult and community programmes and develop strong relationships and support structures for their clients and their families.

The Gavin Foundation received a donation from the Claddagh Fund which was founded by Casey. Casey and his bandmates have always recognised the importance of charity and being able to help people in need.

The singer said: “The work that goes on here is near and dear to my heart. Anything I and the Claddagh Fund can do to help is an honour and privilege. The work they do here is life and death; this is the front line.”

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is a former board member of the Gavin Foundation and was present as the cheque was handed over. Walsh has overcome alcohol problems himself and is a strong supporter of the foundation.

He said: “To have their expertise right in the neighbourhood is so important. It gives me a whole new level to help educate people about the impacts of drugs and alcohol”

President of the Gavin Foundation John McGahan said: “We operate a lot of programs on a shoe string, from the Cushing House to the Recovery Support Center, and this money gives us a major boost.”

A report by the Boston Public Health Commission revealed that South Boston has some of the highest rates of heroin and alcohol abuse in the city.

The donation is particularly important as many of the people who enter the programmes don’t have medical insurance.

If you would like to help the Gavin Foundation, you can visit their website here.


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By Michael Kehoe

Michael Kehoe is a writer for Irish Music Daily and Ireland Calling. His favourite Irish Music bands are Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Murphys.