Find the Balance Dare to Dream is the title of a DVD produced by the Irish Bishops'
Conference on the theme of alcohol and the challenge of moderation. At the launch of the 
DVD Cardinal Seán Brady said: “To young people .... I want to say, first of all, that this 
DVD is about you. You are all young, bright individuals whose unique gifts are going to be of 
great benefit to yourselves and to society at large. This DVD is about your right to dream. 
To dream about the exciting, positive opportunities that lie ahead for you and your friends. 
It is about your right to live a happy and healthy life. Yes, a life full of fun and excitement 
but also a life full of meaning and purpose. This is the balance which protects your dreams 
and keeps you free from slavery of addiction. 

“The core message of this DVD is that to be happy in life - we need a balance in life. To be 
really happy we need self-control as well as self-determination. Above all, you need self 
respect. You need a sense of your own dignity and of your own worth. We cannot believe in a 
God who loves, if we don’t, first of all, love ourselves. Every human being is a child of God – 
Jesus came to tell us that. This sense of our own dignity – of our own worth – is one of our 
most precious possessions."

This DVD comprises five different stories addressing the theme of moderation in the use of
alcohol and these five stories can be viewed by clicking on the relevant links below: 

Dara Fitzpatrick, Pilot in Irish Coast Guard Rescue

This video gives an insight into the work of an Irish Coast Guard helicopter pilot.
Based in Waterford, Dara has worked with search and rescue for fifteen years. She explains
the rudiments of the helicopter controls and stresses the importance of decision making 
in her job.She would not risk her job and her lifestyle by over-drinking - 'balance is 
everything in this job', she says. 

Click here to view Dara's video. 

Richard Sadlier, Irish Professional Footballer

Having played for his country, Richard's professional career was ended by a series of
injuries. He was tempted to drown his sorrows in alcohol but instead he studied for a
sports science degree and is now a member of the board of St patrick's Athletic F.C.
He drinks 'a healthy amount', i.e. in moderation. 

Click here to view Richard's video. 

June Anne Ryan, Addiction Counsellor 

While in fifth year in her local Community School, things 'started to go wrong'.
June Anne began drinking and soon was drinking to excess. Alcohol changed her. She 
became a recluse, lost all interest in sport and finallt begged her parents to help
her. After recovery she became an addiction counsellor and now encourages moderation. 

Click here to view June Anne's video. 

Urban MCs, Teenage Rappers

On The Low is the title of the first album from these teenage rappers based
in Finglas on the north side of Dublin. Their comments on life and on drink are
insightful. Music and not drink is a major focus on their lives. 'Anything worth 
having is worth fighting for', they say. 

Click here to view their video. 

Arron McHale, Rally Driver

This video gives an insight into the life of this famous young Irish rally driver.
The pecularities of the rally car are described and the safety features designed to
protect the driver are also shown. To be a successful rally driver demands balance:
'You are playing Russian roulette when you drink and drive', says Arron. 

Click here to view Arron's video. 


ends