Judge Hussey Helps Tiglin Founder Handle The Truth

Judge Gillian Hussey with McCarthy and the Higgins duo Carraig Eden TUES29JUNE21

atest press release from Tiglin, issued on Saturday, January 17th 2026…

The belief that people deserve a second chance has been at the heart of Tiglin since its earliest days, an ethos strongly influenced by retired District Court Judge Gillian Hussey and carried forward by Tiglin co-founders Senator Aubrey Mc Carthy and CEO Phil Thompson.

Judge Hussey, who was widely respected for her compassionate and pragmatic approach on the bench, had long spoken about the human cost of addiction and the urgent need for real alternatives to custody.

Her comments at a charity fundraiser, where she highlighted the lack of structured rehabilitation options for people caught in cycles of addiction, proved to be a powerful motivation behind the establishment of Tiglin. Those remarks resonated deeply with the founders and helped crystallise the vision for a service built on dignity, accountability and hope.

That vision was taken forward by Senator Aubrey Mc Carthy and Phil Thompson, who together laid the foundations for what Tiglin has become today. Over many years they have worked side by side, navigating challenges, securing support and steadily building a model of recovery that is now recognised as a vital lifeline for individuals and families across Wicklow and beyond.

Their partnership has been central to Tiglin’s growth. Through persistence, shared values and mutual respect, they have soldiered together through difficult early years, funding pressures and evolving needs, always keeping the focus on those seeking a way out of addiction.

Judge Hussey later became a patron of Tiglin, continuing her support for its work and reinforcing the importance of second chances. Her belief that people are more than their mistakes aligns closely with Tiglin’s core mission and with the principles that Senator Mc Carthy and Phil Thompson have upheld since the organisation’s inception.

Today Tiglin stands as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, leadership and perseverance come together. It continues to provide structured recovery programmes that offer people the opportunity to rebuild their lives, reconnect with their families and contribute positively to their communities.

You can find out more about Tiglin right here, agus here, follow on Instagram here or ye olde Facebook here, donate here, and get in touch directly on [email protected].