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ON THE MORNING of the last day of 2019, Ireland lost an important voice.
It lost a voice that gave voices to vulnerable children, it lost a voice that gave voices to adults who had trauma inflicted on them by a broken system, it lost a voice that was telling us where we had gone wrong and what we needed to do to fix it. It lost a voice that was shouting as loud as it could; but did not feel listened to.
Shane Griffin was a man who had seen it all when it came to the care system in Ireland.
Placed in care for the first time aged nearly seven, Shane went on to have over twenty different placements in foster homes and residential care facilities.
He experienced abuse in the form of physical and sexual violence while in the system.
Most people would not be able to deal with the trauma of the kind that Shane experienced in care, it would have broken them.
But Shane was not most people.
Instead of going down the route of further trauma, dysfunction and addiction, which happens to so many, Shane decided instead to use his experiences to ensure that the system worked, and that no more children would become a victim of it.
Determined to help others
Shane had a passion for improving circumstances for children within the care system, and for ensuring correct supports were in place for those leaving care.
In relation to his own life, he was trying to piece together the details of his time in care, meeting regularly with Tusla to uncover more information.
He worked with the Care Leavers’ Network and joined the Social Democrats this year, with a view to making a difference somehow.
Shane was inspirational in his way of speaking, critical and challenging of various ministers for Health and Children and Youth Affairs, and went out of his way to help vulnerable young people.
In fact, only four days before he died, Shane was aiding a young homeless care leaver, giving advice and resources to somebody who was in dire straits over the Christmas season.
He spoke at seminars, came to town hall meetings, asked relevant questions and put young people within the care system, and those who had experienced trauma as a result of it at the forefront of people’s minds.
Shane was tireless and relentless, and managed all this while being a good father and running his own landscaping business.
Never bitter
You’d think that given his experiences that he would be bitter or angry, but anybody who knew him would attest that Shane was the most positive and enlightened man you could meet.
He often sent self-deprecating thank you notes to people who gave him a platform, support or who interviewed him, grateful for the opportunity to have a voice and feel listened to.
His sense of humour and sweet nature meant he endeared himself to nearly everybody he met, however when he had something to say about the issues within the system, he was fastidious in his message.
Shane insisted there could be nobody left behind, and believed that supports should be given with early intervention to ensure that families don’t get broken up in the first place, so children aren’t put into care unnecessarily.
When Shane joined the Social Democrats in 2019, he did so because he believed that a social democracy, where the most vulnerable in society are protected, was the way that Ireland needed to move forward.
He bore the scars of his childhood
Despite everything he did, Shane did suffer.
He spoke openly about his mental health and the PTSD he had as a result of multiple and complex traumas he suffered at the hands of a system that was supposed to protect him and others.
He often spoke of the hills he had left to climb and was looking at new therapies and treatments, all of which seemed out of reach to him due to their prohibitive cost.
Once again, there were no systems in place to help him, and eventually the hills became too big.
What he wanted was on-going care and therapy for those traumatised by the system, right up to adulthood.
He wanted early intervention so that vulnerable children and youths don’t fall into the gaping holes that exist within the areas of child protection.
He wanted Care Leavers to be protected and supported, but most of all he wanted no child to suffer as he had.
We all have a responsibility now to carry on his work.
Ireland has lost a voice; we must ensure that the legacy of that voice lives on.
RIP Shane.
We have set up this fund to help his family with funeral costs and to build a bit of a fund to support his daughter Haley-Ann. If you can give what you can all donations are greatly appreciated.
Linda Hayden is the founder of AASVI and Shane Griffin’s colleague in the Kildare South branch of the Social Democrats.
If you need to talk, contact:
And still some of us protest against us honouring our brave comrades. …
It’s called democracy get over it .Ireland isn’t a Monarchy because we saw what they are !…Pictures kindly supplied as proof above !
“our brave comrades”
You must be the last survivor!
You think that the 70,000+ Irishmen who died were wrong – and deserve to be forgotten?
Dermot Ryan it’s call respect for others that wish to remember there relatives . You obviously miss that lesson in life . There’s no words to describe what a moron you are .
They don’t deserve to be forgotten, same as if someone died in a traffic accident or a bare knuckle fight for money.
It is a tragedy more than anything, they had one life and they threw it away for nothing. Some had to go for the money, some went out of innocence and thought it would be an adventure.
They and their wives were thrown on the trash heap once they came back. The way the widows were treated in Britain was disgraceful, used up and spat out.
It is with genuine compassion for them that I think poor eejits, they died for nothing.
RyanS. Your last post clearly illustrates your bigotry, ignorance (of facts) – and why you, like the other Ryan (daddy?), are such journal bores.
These brave men fought for the freedom of Europe – and England was the only/easiest entry into the war. When they returned, they (and their families) were treated like traitors.
A reaction similar to yours. 100 years later.
Speaks a bit for your education. Christian Brothers?
if there are no words ..then why did you use the word moron …you’re not very bright Tommy are you .the point above is a general point in the difference in the political set-up then and now …why do you defend the monarchy Tommy ? Are you a British soldier oath bound to the queen – that’s the only reason I can see !
The political point makes no reference to the dead whatsoever !
is that hatred in your heart Tommy – step into the light of Jesus Tommy step into the light !
Dermot Ryan these men have been respected and remember not just in Ireland but around the world for the last 100 yrs . In a hundred yrs time and beyond when your rotten away in hole in the ground long forgotten there will be people from all over this country and others that will be still remembering these men . Relatives will always want to be associated with men that serve in the war and people will always be fascinated by the men that serve in them . Your contribution to this world is nothing and you will be long forgotten . Your not fit to wipe the mud of there boots .
Glen.
I just don’t have much time for the beer swilling, chest thumping around so much of WW1. The pub history of it being a war for European freedom.
I just don’t entertain your old fashioned rubbish.
Glen…
” England was the only/easiest entry into the war. ….. ahhh the pictures above say World War 1 Glen …don’t go quoting history or politics after this because you are really showing how stupid you are !
Then again Paddy loves making a fool out of the British soldier … your British Army page on Wikipedia suggests that there is an internal British Army memo admitting that the British Army could never win the war and all their training and all their equipment and they up against a few farm boys…
We had to get rid of ye in 1920 because your stupidity was a threat to our nation Glen – that’s all nothing personal just self -preservation.
Most of them were treated like shi7 when they went back to England, the widows were treated even worse.
Look at the way England treats the cripples fools back from Afghanistan. Thrown out on the scrap heap by society and Govt. So many of them end up putting a hole in their head or off to a tree.
Same eejits that go on about the poppy for 6 weeks before November wouldn’t thrown a half eaten bar at them the following month.
I just can’t entertain them.
Tommy I am just remembering my family that fought and died fighting the British army who had a habit of Tarring and feathering men that were supposed to be their comrades a few years earlier to “fight for European Freedom!”
the conflict in your mind is the souls of your lost ones telling you that war is wrong is my guess !
Sinead the seemingly accepted figure for the Irish dead from the “great war is just shy of 50,000 …not having ago ..but it seems others on here don’t seem to know that and it’s terrible to be confusing them like !
Dermot obviously you never inherited the qualities of your relatives that put words into actions to fought for what they believe in . To busy mouthing of crap towards your fellow country men and all the other shite that comes out of your mouth .
Ah Dermott, even you don’t believe those bully’s are interested in democracy, just rent a mob morons, who just shove their ill researched bigoted views down everyone’s. Throats. Sthop will ya.
They died so you could spew your muck in English , not German, god love you who thinks what you have. , and what they made sure you have, is nothing.
@s Ryan .
@Dermot. Remember you only live in a democracy because of those soldiers who fought and died in the War. British rule would have been a picnic compared to what the Germans would have done.
“If any question why we died/ Tell them, because our fathers lied.”
Is there even one Historian of renown that believes that Germany intended to occupy Britain or Ireland or France etc.
Even one??
Is there even one German historical reference to such an intent.
No more than they did after the Franco-Prussian conflicts.
Then why did they go to war then? If they had won then the conquered countries would have adopted the same kind of fascist government that Germany had. Wars are as much about ideologies as they are about territory.
RyanS. Clear testimony to your supreme ignorance.
France WAS occupied.
You uneducated and stupid cretin.
Stop posting – you’ll lower the journal’s high standards of accuracy ….
After the Franco-Prussian war they were there for about 3-4 yrs, there was no forcing of German culture or norms on to France. The “you’d be speaking German sonny” school of history is best kept to BNP social do’s and Football terraces for the craic.
Speaking of historical illiteracy we have one person saying that Germany was a fascist state at the time.
How can you reason with that?
Wrong war but their heroism and the sacrifice their families made should not be forgotten.
No Ryan. The Germans ( who you said were never in France!) were just killing and torturing them.
Please study the history – or are your mental issues holding you back?
With your childish ignorance. And an illogical and abject hatred of anything to do with England – its past and present.
You seem to believe that not conforming to your pub patriotism out look makes me anti-English. Even though countless English people agree with it.
Off to the pub with you.
Gerry ..nowhere have I condoned the actions of the hecklers – nowhere …but I respect their right to protest – that’s all !
They are there for a reason just as those inside the cemetery were – there are arguments on both sides – those inside have more than enough keyboard warriors to put forward their case and build notions that history proved otherwise and those who heckled represent that later view – to the guys outside the pageantry was just as bad as their heckling …
Too much divide and conquer about the whole thing for me ….. but I cannot sit back and allow history be re-written from one side and one side only …
If the hecklers had unfethered access to this site then I would be fighting the case of the fallen of the Great War in just the same way ..
the truth I find is always in the middle somewhere- just as peace or death is in no-man’s land ….
John we live in a democracy because of the war of Independence as well – that is the part the hecklers were representing …
Democracy and republicanism and Fenianism are the anti-thesis of Monarchy in principle – and I don’t forget that the Great War did destroy Monarchy in Germany … which paved way for Hitler who started off by getting voted for in a democratic Germany … History is very complicated – it’s like alphabet soup you can’t just pick one letter out of the pot and declare the soup to be made from one letter
One point worth noting here is that it was Glen that brought up the subject of the protest the other day ; this an article about history and photographs – it has nothing to do with the commemoration as such the other day ! …hence my opening retort !
Now peace to all and to all those who have been killed in war all over the world no matter what side they fell for – may they all rest in peace !
Tommy Buddha and Jesus Christ are two of the most famous people in history …they were pacifists – funny that ….anyway have to go – leave you with the last word if you want tommy !
@John Michael
“British rule would have been a picnic compared to what the Germans would have done.”
Your ignorance is astonishing.
In 1914 the massive Holocaust that was the Great Famine was still within living memory. The Irish population had halved in the intervening period after 1.5 million deaths due to starvation and disease.
That was a picnic, eh?
My ignorance? It wasn’t the British who caused the famine as anyone with some knowledge will tell you. It was the Irish themselves who had made the country dependent on the potato crop. Sure, the British didn’t give much aid but they applied the same policies to their own countrymen. Modern famines will also show that they are near impossible to combat. Under the British we had a say into how the country was run. In Germany the vote was only given to a small amount of people and even that was a facade to ward off criticism of their military dictatorship. As for the fellow who said the war of independence gave us our democracy, that’s not true. Firstly we had the vote already. Secondly, after the war we were still a dominion of Britain. Even today our institutions of state are the same as Britain’s so they couldn’t have been that bad, could they?
@Coilin. You also said the famine was in living memory. Whose exactly? It was nearly seventy years previous and people didn’t live as long in those days. I’m sure you can read about it in An Phoblaicht.
Parents wonder why the streams are bitter, when they themselves have poisoned the fountain.
John Locke
Dermot, we are not neutral, just look at the help US warplanes and soldiers get st Shannon
They’re breaking the law Gus … when they are armed ..we are neutral in that all planes from all countries can land – even North KOREAN ONES IF THEY WISH – JUST AS LONG AS THEY ARE NOT ARMED !
The moral of it, is that no matter how stuck you are for money or adventure, going to fight a battle for someone else’s gain and power is a disaster for you and your family.
All thrown away in a moments madness, desperation and foolishness.
You forget that it was a different time. Forget the folly of war. Those men and women faught for an ideal (the majority anyway) and believed that their cause was right.
Your view is too simplistic. They did not simply sign up to sacrifice themselves at the behest of someone who promised them money or adventure. They were coerced into believing that to sign on was the right thing to do and that it was their duty. My grandfather had a good job and was staunchly Republican (he was from Newry) but felt that the cause was right. He was severly wounded and I have a Christmas card from the King and Queen wishing him a speedy recovery (one of millions I presume). Yes, he came back and was subjected to anti-Catholic bigotry and malice but he was still proud of his service and so am I.
Were he alive today, I am sure he would be bitterly disappointed by those that think his participation was unworthy or treasonous!
Micheal the best comment of the day .
The great Tom Barry was a Serjeant in WW1.
I never said they were treasonous but I agree with so many of that generation that they were used up for the benefit and goals of others, certainly not for the pretend of Belgium freedom etc.
They died in a messy, extremely violent war whose only achievement was eventually destroying all who took part.
It apples as much to a soldier from Glasgow or Leeds as it does your relative from Down.
Thank you Tommy. My grandad would be proud of you!
Queue NATO recruiters Wayne and Tommy and Ryan ……..
I’m a NATO recruiter? Then I’ve been getting screwed with this sickpay malarkey…wheres my pay slip from the military industrial complex?
howya Ryan ..peace brother !
Sue them Ryan …I’ll represent you – we’ll clean them out ! …. only joking dude !
Oath of allegiance .British Army
Troops of the Grenadier Guards on guard at Buckingham Palace. Various army regiments supply troops to guard the Royal residences.
All soldiers must take an oath of allegiance upon joining the Army, a process known as attestation. Those who wish to swear by God use the following words:
“ I, [soldier's name], swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors and that I will as in duty bound honestly and faithfully defend Her Majesty, her heirs and successors in person, crown and dignity against all enemies and will observe and obey all orders of Her Majesty, her heirs and successors and of the generals and officers set over me.[167] ”
Others replace the words “swear by Almighty God” with “solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm”.[168] Under the reign of another monarch, the name of the monarch and all pronouns with gender are replaced appropriately.
Ryan – did you enjoy yourself in Glasnevin, shouting at our President and guests of our country?
Hoddle I haven’t crossed the Shannon in weeks , if you have a problem with the facts above then take it up with Wikipedia …I just copy and pasted dude ..it’s called impartial information …
I support Independent candidates Hoddle …do you know what that is ;- Independence ?
Note – to those of you who are interested in deciphering military minds from those of an ordinary citizen – Take note that Hoddle used my surname – this is the default position of officers as the name on uniforms is always the surname …
That or he knows me and his name is Martin and he lives in Limerick !
“Our Country????”…and you call yourself Glen Hoddle the ENGLISH football manager …
Recent evidence from the world Cup would suggest that the gods have spoken on the “who invented Football” argument.
You reveal yourself with your stupidity Glen – you GOOGLY OLDBOY !
Dermot is that what the oath of legions looks like . After all these yrs iv forgotten . I must dig my out just to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything .
The legions never came to Ireland Tommy – they got a good dose of it in Scotland , built a wall out of fear and that was the end of for them ….withdrawl after that !
Peace out Tommy – if we meet you will see that it’s not actually that serious at all …..
Ryan x 2. Bigoted lunatics. Sad.
lol.
Just because we are not wholeheartedly agreeing with the BNP friendly version of it all, we must be lunatics. ha!
Glen did you not know Seanie is a anti Brit hateful bigot. 90 percent of his comments are just that . The hypocrisy of the man is that he went to the uk to get a university education and then he constantly spills hateful comments about the men that serve it . You couldn’t be more of a hypocrite.
Thanks Tommy
I know a lot of English people who think exactly the same way as I do. As do many French and German people etc.
I’m nor preventing your old fashioned and pub patriot take on it. I’m say it is more nuanced than that.
Glen ; Judge not – lest ye be judged !
Glen will the Duke or yourself indeed join me for a commemoration in any Irish town for Irish men and women who were Tarred and Feathered during our War of Independence ?
I know they weren’t soldiers in most cases but they were the fallen ?
I’m not really into commemorating the dead – I believe wholeheartedly in Rest In Peace …but seeing as you feel so attached to the fallen Irish of War then I ma sure you will oblige …I can promise you there won’t be one heckler ..not one – seeing as the hecklers seem to upset you .
You can pick any town in Ireland – any town Glen !
NEWSFLASH!
Irish people really don’t care. Seriously. Nobody cares. It’s a minority interest issue for proto-Unionists who hark after a dead empire..
And yes, I have ancestors who fought in WW1, but they’re dead now.
May they truly rest in peace Coilin …..
Anyone notice Özil in the 5th photo on the left?
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