Al Porter admits he tried to 'numb life and reality' with booze and drugs
Comedian Al Porter has revealed he numbed his "life and reality" with pills and weed as he shows off an incredible transformation.
Porter quit booze and drugs four years ago after he was accused by several men of inappropriate behaviour and sexual misconduct in 2017.
In a new post, the Dubliner reflected on how different his life is now compared to back then.
Showing fans a series of pictures down through the years on his social media, Porter wrote: "Wow! This pic came up as a memory.
"It reminds me how far you can come with love and support and time and a lot of effort in the right direction.
"Here, in 2019, I'm burying my head in the sand, trying to smile, but drinking myself into oblivion, trying to numb life and reality with drink, Xanax, weed, anything.
"I didn't want to accept my life or really be in it. I'd let so many people down and didn't know what to do.
"The next pic over is a couple of weeks ago finishing Hell & Back for Cystic Fibrosis.
"It's a real smile. 4 years sober, even longer of counselling, and years of what my friend in restorative practice calls accountability in a supportive environment - not hiding from reality of your mistakes, but getting support to change, be better and to see a future for a different you, opportunities to make a positive life and contribution to society again."
He said he feels "blessed" to have so much "tough love" in his life.
"I am very blessed to have had so much love and sometimes tough love in my life, that gave me a reason to do the work on myself; to change drastically and turn things around and I'm not finished yet.
"I am very grateful for the people that saw a future for flawed person who had made mistakes when I thought there was none.
"There is always a chance to better yourself and better days ahead if you change things - it's not easy but it's worth it."
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Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Al Porter admits he tried to 'numb life and reality' with booze and drugs
Comedian Al Porter has revealed he numbed his "life and reality" with pills and weed as he shows off an incredible transformation. Porter quit booze and drugs four years ago after he was accused by several men of inappropriate behaviour and sexual misconduct in 2017. In a new post, the Dubliner reflected on how different his life is now compared to back then. Showing fans a series of pictures down through the years on his social media, Porter wrote: "Wow! This pic came up as a memory. "It reminds me how far you can come with love and support and time and a lot of effort in the right direction. "Here, in 2019, I'm burying my head in the sand, trying to smile, but drinking myself into oblivion, trying to numb life and reality with drink, Xanax, weed, anything. "I didn't want to accept my life or really be in it. I'd let so many people down and didn't know what to do. "The next pic over is a couple of weeks ago finishing Hell & Back for Cystic Fibrosis. "It's a real smile. 4 years sober, even longer of counselling, and years of what my friend in restorative practice calls accountability in a supportive environment - not hiding from reality of your mistakes, but getting support to change, be better and to see a future for a different you, opportunities to make a positive life and contribution to society again." He said he feels "blessed" to have so much "tough love" in his life. "I am very blessed to have had so much love and sometimes tough love in my life, that gave me a reason to do the work on myself; to change drastically and turn things around and I'm not finished yet. "I am very grateful for the people that saw a future for flawed person who had made mistakes when I thought there was none. "There is always a chance to better yourself and better days ahead if you change things - it's not easy but it's worth it."
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Ryan Tubridy's romance with Clare who backed him through ‘hell' as proposal details emerge after pic mix-up
RYAN Tubridy has detailed his secret proposal with a former Rose of Tralee star after popping the question on a romantic getaway in the west of Ireland last Thursday. The Q102 host got married in 2003 to Anne-Marie Power and had two daughters, Ella and Julia. Advertisement 4 Ryan Tubridy and Dr Clare Kambamettu are engaged Credit: Alamy 4 Ryan got down on one knee last Thursday in the west of Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 Ryan and Clare with Niamh O'Brien at The Irish Post Awards in 2024 Credit: Getty Images - Getty The pair split shortly after in 2006 and Ryan went on to date Irish broadcaster . However, after four years together, they went their separate ways in 2014. Ryan has fallen in love once again and is Here's everything we know about the famous pair's relationship. Advertisement read more on ryan tubridy WHO IS CLARE? Clare competed and won the iconic Newbridge Silver crown at the Rose of Tralee in 2010 when she was in her mid 20s as the London Rose. She was born in Leeds and moved to Athy in Kildare at the age of eight. Clare holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History and a Higher Diploma from NUI Galway (now University of Galway). She also completed a Masters in Mental Health specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at King's College London. The doctor currently works as a psychologist in the HSE's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Clare was revealed as the newest presenter of RTE Eco Eye in 2020. The show, which was hosted by Duncan Stewart, discussed ecological issues and their impact on society and finished up in 2021. HOW DID RYAN MEET CLARE? The exact date on how the love birds met is unknown but Ryan Tubridy enjoys Galway trip She appeared as a guest on the show just days before he announced he was stepping down from They spoke about manifesting and if there's any "real psychological science" behind it. Advertisement Tubs after 14 years as a hero, but his RTE career came crashing down weeks later when a payments scandal broke. He then with the former winner with The Irish Sun for his after six month of "hell" in November 2023. The Dubliner praised Clare saying: "She has brought an awful lot of joy into my life and happiness and support. I don't want to talk too much about her, because my private life has always stayed private. 'But I think anyone who has met or knows Clare will know exactly why we are seeing each other. I feel very lucky.' Advertisement Asked if Clare had been a major support during the last six months. Tubs replied: 'Remarkably so.' RED-CARPET DEBUT Despite them both being in the spotlight, the pair have kept the inner details of their relationship under wraps, they have been seen looking loved-up at numerous events over the last few years. Their at the . Clare, who was pictured linking Ryan, stunned in a dark green dress that had sequins all over it and a flowing skirt. Advertisement Ryan decided to go with a classic look as he rocked a black suit with a white shirt and black dickie bow. The Ryan was supported once again by Clare at the annual The pair were photographed at their table with Irish dancer Niamh O'Brien, who attended the prestigious awards with her husband Advertisement HOW RYAN POPPED THE QUESTION The 52-year-old revealed some of the finer details of his romantic proposal while speaking on air this morning. He said: "It is a very beautiful feeling. We were surrounded by gorgeous people who we didn't know, strangers in the hotel, and people who were working around the place. "I got a beautiful ring organised and the weather was gorgeous. It was just an accumulation of a lot of lovely things happening, and I just decided, 'Now is the time, here we go'. "It's a very exciting time to be alive, I'm a very, very lucky man. Advertisement "I think it's one of those beautiful moments where the world feels lighter and there's a beautiful new adventure ahead." GRATEFUL STAR After breaking the news this morning, Ryan has said he's been inundated with lovely messages congratulating him. He said: "Everyones very kind. My phone has completely melted down incidentally. "All the papers in Ireland have written really nice things in a favourable way and has used really beautiful pictures of Clare so I'm really happy about that and all the support. Advertisement "And all my colleagues here, we're all buzzing. It's just a good news story in a world gone mad." BUBBLE BURST While Ryan hadn't planned on revealing the news so soon, there was a slight mix-up that led to him making the announcement. O'Dalaigh Jewellers in Clifden, Galway, had posted about the purchase on social media on Monday afternoon saying: "Ryan along with so many others have fallen in love with Connemara over the years. "He discreetly came to us to discuss a special ring he needed for a very special lady. He knew that getting the ring in the West of Ireland would mean so much to Clare and he also wanted to shop local, which we are very grateful for!" Advertisement They added: "This love story continues and in the process it's great to hear some positive news. Wishing this very happy couple a wonderful future together. Jonathan and all the O'Dalaigh Team.' The post has since been deleted. Ryan was then forced to address the rumours that speculated as a result of this post as he said: "I was kind of keeping a little bit to myself - to ourselves. "Even though I'm a public person doing the job I do, I also have quite a lot of privacy that I like to keep to myself. Advertisement "However, the cat has been removed from the bag for a number of reasons and I'm very, very, very happy to confirm that I did indeed get engaged to my partner Clare on Thursday evening in the West of Ireland." 4 Clare Kambamettu was the winner of the 2010 Rose of Tralee International Festival Credit: Rose of Tralee - Free
Irish Independent
17 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Streets of Sligo, Knocklane Traditional Music Festival and more - the top ten things to do in Sligo this week: June 18-24
We've compiled a list of the best events taking place in Sligo this week. Knocklane Traditional Festival The annual Knocklane Traditional Music Festival takes place in Maugherow this weekend from Friday June 20 until Sunday, June 22. There will be music sessions, workshops, talks, a celebratory concert to mark 10 years of Benbulben Comhaltas Branch, and lots lots more. Tickets for workshops are available via eventbrite. More details on the event Facebook page. Al Porter Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy at Lillie's Laughs, where the laughter is guaranteed to flow as smoothly as the cocktails. This Friday, June 20, it's the turn of the and only Al Porter, making his debut at Lillie's Laughs for the very first time. Al Porter is known for his quick wit, charismatic stage presence, and razor-sharp humour. Tickets via eventbrite. Songwriters in the Round Gráinne Hunt, Eve Belle, and Emma Langford share their songs and stories at a special event at Murphy's Live, Murphy's Hotel in Tubbercurry on Monday, June 23. This promises to be a great night of music in a cosy, intimate venue. Tickets are available via eventbrite. Michael Rooney and June McCormack The much-loved Lunchtime at the Well series continues this June with a very special performance from celebrated traditional music duo Michael Rooney and June McCormack, known together as Draíocht at Hawk's Well Theatre on Wednesday, June 18 at 1.10pm. While the event remains 'pay what you can', advance booking is essential to guarantee a seat due to its overwhelming success. The Highstool Prophets The Highstool Prophets bring their concert series to the Radisson Blu, Sligo this Thursday, June 19. These shows have seated/standing optional and are proving to be a great success throughout the country. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets via eventbrite. iDance Get ready for a spectacular showcase at Hawk's Well Theatre on Sunday, June 22 and Monday, June 23. Talent shines as dancers aged 3 to 18 from iDance take the stage. They'll mesmerize you with a vibrant mix of styles including Commercial, Acro Dance, Musical Theatre, Jazz, lyrical and Hip Hop. Tickets from Hawk's Well box office. Sue Paling Memorial walk/ride On Saturday, June 21, Sathya Sai Sanctuary Trust for Nature will be holding a memorial walk and ride in honour of the group's founder Sue and to raise funds for her beloved animals. Meet at Coney Island drive at 12:45pm and at 1pm start your walk/ride to Coney Island. Participants are encouraged to bring dogs and horses, as long as they are friendly with others. Bríd Harper and Ryan Molloy Bríd Harper and Ryan Molloy come to the Coleman Music Centre on Saturday, June 21. Bríd Harper and Ryan Molloy are renowned Irish musicians who have collaborated on numerous projects, including concerts and recordings. Tickets available from the Coleman Music Centre box office. Streets of Sligo The Streets of Sligo 5k returns for the first time since 2019, taking place this Saturday, June 21. Race will start and end in Queen Maeve Square. You'll be racing around some of Sligo town's top spots including Sligo Gaol, Sligo Abbey and down the main throughfare of O'Connell Street. Full details on Ballinacarrow NS 7k run and walk A 7km run and walk takes place at Ballinacarrow National School on Thursday, June 19 from 6.30pm. The event starts at the school gates. Kids go free.
