| Founded in Dublin in December 1898 was the pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart. The Association was Founded by Fr.James Cullen S.J. who had taken the pledge himself after seeing the misery caused by Alcohol abuse at the time .He tried to rehabilitate those with a drink problem, But eventually decided that prevention was better than Cure. Consequently, he founded an Organisation dedicated to Total Abstinence from Alcohol at a meeting with four women December the 28th 1898 in The Church of Saint Francis Xavier, Gardiner Stret Dublin. the four women were Mrs.Anne Eagan Mrs A.M. Sullivan Miss Lizzie Power Mrs M.L. Bury After Fr.Cullen death Fr.Joseph Flinn became Central Director of the Association after world war two when there was a wide spread of emigration from Ireland,Pioneer Centres were been established in many locations world wide Father Sean Mc Carron had by now replace Father Flinn Father Daniel Dargan became central director from 1957-1977. In 1959, he organised the Diamond Jubillee Celebrations. Memebership some what declined Somewhat in Ireland in the 60's but this was more than compensated for by the remarkable growth of the pioneers in some central African Countries. Father Bernard Mc Guckian was Central Director from 1977-1985 beging replaced by Father Wiliam Reynolds who stayed at the helm until 1989 at which Father John Smyth took over. When Father Smith died after a short spell in Office Father Mc Guckian steeped in for a second period until 2002.In 2002 Padraic Naughton the first lay Person was give the role as Central Director now Know as Chief Executive Officer .The Association Puts a strong emphasis on Spirituality. Of the many possible stratagments towards sobriety, Father James Cullen insisted on one which rests soley on the prayer of supplication and sacrifice. |
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