From Sleeping Up Alleyways To Walking Down The Aisle

Newlyweds Victoria and Jay with the McCarthy lad

atest press release from Senator Aubrey McCarthy, issued on Tuesday, April 7th 2026…

Easter is a powerful reminder that new life can come from the darkest places. Often what feels like a disaster can bring about the possibility of a beginning.

Recently I was in the beautiful surroundings of the 5-Star Merrion Hotel in Dublin, celebrating the wedding of Jay Bobinac and Victoria Johnson.

Years ago, I first met Jay and his twin brother Allen as teenagers, homeless, sleeping in St. Stephen’s Green. But even then, there was something different about them. They carried a vision. A belief that their life could be more.

Fast forward to today, and both of them have not only rebuilt their lives, they have excelled. Two master’s degrees each, good careers and a tight circle of friends. That’s Easter, right there.

It’s not just a story from 2,000 years ago but it’s happening all around us. In people who refuse to be defined by their worst chapter. In those who choose hope when it would be easier to give up.

Jay and Alan remind me that there is life beyond homelessness. Life beyond poverty. Life beyond struggle.

Croatian ambassador Davor Vidiš with Jay and Alan plus Aubrey

But it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when someone believes in you. When society chooses to invest, not ignore. When we decide that every person is worth the chance of a new beginning.

Huge kudos to the staff and management at Tiglin_ireland for investing in so many people who are viewed as ‘lost’.

So this Easter, let’s think for a moment to ask ourselves:

⦿ Who can we lift?
⦿ Who can we invest in?
⦿ Who is waiting for their chance at a new life?

Because if we get that right, we don’t just change one life, we change generations.

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