More Than That Festival in Kildare concludes with Christy Dignam Addiction Recovery Champion Award

The More Than That Festival drew to a close in fitting style at the Moat Theatre, Naas, with the presentation of the Addiction Recovery Champion Award in memory of the late Christy Dignam.

The award was the centrepiece of the Sober & Social Comedy Night, an evening of connection, community, and laughter.

The theatre rang with full-on belly laughs as comedians John Colleary and Aideen McQueen took to the stage.

While the night was alcohol-free, the atmosphere was anything but quiet, with rapturous laughter and applause echoing from an audience that included people in recovery, their families, and sober-curious guests — all united in a celebration of recovery and resilience.

Aubrey McCarthy, Chair of SURF (Substance Use Regional Forum) and founder of Tiglin, was joined by Christy’s wife Kathryn Dignam to present the 2025 Christy Dignam Recovery Champion Award.

The honour was awarded to Darren Scanlon, who has lived alcohol-free for over a decade. In 2023, Darren channelled his personal transformation into community action by founding the Celbridge Boys Club.

The group meets every Wednesday evening at the Castletown Gates, rain, hail, or shine, offering men a safe space for connection, support, and wellbeing. Through weekly walks and activities, members share their challenges and victories “shoulder to shoulder” while tackling mountains — both physical and metaphorical — one step at a time.

The initiative is already making a positive impact on men’s mental health and recovery in Celbridge and surrounding areas.

Before presenting the award, Kathryn Dignam shared a moving tribute to her late husband,

highlighting his courage and the importance of tackling the stigma that still surrounds

addiction.

She stressed the need for greater awareness and compassion, presenting Darren with both the award and a portrait of Christy — a symbol of resilience and the power of hope.

The Sober & Social Comedy Night marked a powerful conclusion to the More Than That Festival, which throughout its programme showcased stories of lived experience, recovery, and community strength.

“We laughed, reflected, and supported one another as we challenged the stigma surrounding addiction. Together, we are creating a future where recovery is understood and celebrated every step of the way” – Organising Committee

The festival organisers expressed deep gratitude to everyone who participated, shared their stories, and came together to stand for compassion, understanding, and connection.

The success of the week highlighted that recovery is not only possible, but something to be

recognised, celebrated, and embraced by the whole community.

About the More Than That Festival

The More Than That Festival run by SURF is a community-led celebration of recovery, resilience, and connection. Through arts, storytelling, workshops, and sober social events, the festival provides a platform for people with lived experience of addiction and recovery to share their journeys, inspire hope, and challenge stigma.

Rooted in the values of compassion and inclusion, the festival brings together individuals, families, and communities to highlight that recovery is not only possible but something to be celebrated.