the matt talbot memorial on the quayside of dublin.

matt talbot (1856 - 1925) was born in the poverty of dublin's inner city. he began drinking at twelve years of age and became a chronic alcoholic. it was the drug culture of the 19th century. after sixteen years he decided to 'kick the habit'. a priest helped him, giving him a rehabilitation programme, which providentially incorporated the twelve steps of alcoholics anonymous. after a horrendous struggle, he found sobriety through prayer and self-sacrifice. his higher power was the christian god. he remained sober for forty years until his death. his life story has been an inspiration for alcoholics and addicts throughout the world. he is a candidate for canonisation in the catholic church