Finné
TG4 Wednesday 27 January 2021 @ 9.30pm - Brian Pennie
Brian Pennie is an author, speaker, PhD candidate, university lecturer, life-change strategist and recovering addict, now 15 years clean.
Tonight on TG4 past-pupil Brian Pennie relates his 15 year struggle with drug addiction in an episode from the documentary series 'Finné'. With brutal honesty he recalls those dark years that almost cost him his family and his life. Brian has managed to rebuild his life and reimagine his career.
Since going through a drug rehabilitation programme he has returned to college, is currently completing a PhD, is a college lecturer, has written a book "Bonus Time" as well as becoming a much sought after public speaker and radio/TV guest.
During the first lockdown he interacted with our school community presenting a live webinar during the weeks when school was closed helping people cope with the situation they found themselves trying to manage.
An excerpt from the documentary is given below and we would encourage parents and pupils alike to watch the programme tonight in what is a true story of loss, recovery and redemption.
Brian Pennie shouldn’t be alive today. His drug addiction was so bad that he was deemed too much of a risk for detox. Determined to confront his demons, he went cold turkey at home. Discovered in a pool of blood, it didn’t exactly go to plan, but that’s where his life truly began.
On 8 October 2013, he was finally clean after 15 years of chronic heroin addiction, and something extraordinary happened: the world suddenly became beautiful.
Free of the anxiety and fear that had always plagued him, Brian was given a second chance at life, and he devoured every minute of it. Bit by bit he rebuilt his world and began to share what he learned with others. In this incredibly honest and inspirational book, Brian shares the story of how he turned a seemingly hopeless existence into a rich and rewarding life, showing that change is always possible, no matter how stuck we feel.
'The first book in 5 years I haven’t been able to put down' Jennifer Zamparelli, 2FM.
'It’s a hopeful tale' Oliver Callan, The Ryan Tubridy Show, RTÉ Radio 1.
'I would advise anyone to buy the book, read the first chapter and if you’re not hooked after that, well then I don’t know what’s wrong with you!' Mark Cagney, Newstalk
'We really enjoyed the book, Brian is a tremendous writer. It’s going to be a really important book for a lot of people.' Dermot and Dave, Today FM
'Brian’s book provides hope that lives can be turned around.' The Mail on Sunday
'Brian Pennie’s memoir tells the story of addiction, recovery and redemption' Patrick Freyne, The Irish Times
