PADDY CREEDON

Irish Prison Service – EAP Programme

It was lovely to meet Paddy at our recent EAP Conference in Galway. His own story was very positively received by all.

Araminta Jonsson

Paddy Creedon brought a profound and moving dimension to this year’s Masters Events in Oxford. His storytelling and poetry offered a blend of personal insight and artistic mastery that resonated deeply with the audience. Through his lived experience of recovery and trauma, Paddy’s narratives provided a sense of hope, healing, and connection that touched delegates on a personal level.

Paddy’s performances did more than entertain; they created a safe space for reflection and emotional exploration. His authenticity, combined with a unique ability to draw out the emotional depth of his experiences, made each performance an unforgettable journey through recovery, resilience, and the power of kindness.

Paddy’s contributions not only enhanced the emotional tone of the Master Event but also provided a grounding experience for attendees. He brought a human element that enriched the overall programme, leaving delegates with lasting impressions of compassion and renewal. Paddy’s presence was integral to the event’s success, and his storytelling added immeasurable value to the collective experience of all who attended.

Mattie Shisko

I had the excellent good fortune to meet Paddy Creedon in Oxford where we were presenters at the Master Series – Europe’s largest Mental Health and Trauma Conference – in 2023. Paddy is an incredible talent. The huge heart he has for people, his work and his advocacy are matched only by his gift for poetry, creation and performance. My absolute favourite experience at that conference, aside from meeting Paddy, was to be a part of a creative and moving poetic journey that would ultimately arrive at a full length poem, penned by Paddy on the sudden and unexpected death of Sinaed O’Connor. That day in Oxford, listening to his poem was like listening to your heart beating in symphony with everyone around you. Paddy lead this highly professional, creative performance with approximately 100 people with the utmost care, grace and ease.

When I am in Paddy’s presence, I feel safe and calm. When I speak to Paddy, I feel seen and heard. When I witness his spoken word, I am moved by the eloquence with which he writes and performs his observations of life. I am so thankful for you Paddy.

Alex Burley

Delegates at this year’s Master Series Trauma and Mental Health Conference in Oxford were treated to two wonderful performances by Celtic Grace and Paddy Creedon.

‘Celtic Kindness’, their musical story of the life of iconic and blind harpist Turlough O’Carolan in 17th century Ireland, created a truly captivating and uplifting experience in the world-famous Sheldonian theatre. Storytelling accompanied by such talented performances on the harp and flute.

The following day, their outdoor performance of music and poetry at the University’s Examination Schools evoked a mesmerising sense of calm in the late summer sunshine. A wonderful opportunity to relax and recharge whilst taking a break during the conference. In addition you created such a unique and moving tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor, which the audience were so touched by.

I highly recommend both these performances – the artists have the attentiveness and flexibility to tailor their performances exactly to the requirements of your conference or event.

Deborah Jordan

A huge thank you for today! Everyone was so impressed. You spoke so eloquently and from the heart. Not an easy thing but so important for people to hear your voice. And I’ve had nothing but amazing feedback and compliments for my choice speakers.

Ester Van Haute

My heartfelt gratitude for all the support Paddy provided during our study trip to Dublin. His professionalism and enthusiasm were truly remarkable, and they played a significant role in making our trip a resounding success.
 
The feedback from everyone who participated in the study trip has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear that Paddy’s guidance and assistance were instrumental in creating such a wonderful experience. We all thoroughly enjoyed the knowledge exchange with the Irish healthcare professionals, and it was a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow together.
MINOZ Research Centre on Hospital Operations Management

National Trust

Paddy was wonderful to work with on this project at Rowallane Garden from start to finish.

I would recommend that anyone wishing to tell a story in a creative way spends time discussing the possibilities with him. From the very beginning Paddy emersed himself in painting a picture of Rowallane and Hugh Armytage Moore. A trait that can only be described as infectious.

His passion for his craft radiates from his pen onto paper, and the final result, four poems that capture what Rowallane Garden means to so many people perfectly met the brief we had provided in our early discussions.

Paddy’s willingness to support with garden walks, reading his poems in the heart of where they were inspired was the icing on the cake, feedback from staff and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive. We would definitely explore working with him again in the future.

Maureen O’Hare

We had no other choice but to move online with our activities but we developed a model that delivered high quality content and networking to our participants.
This process of adaptation has relied on significant investment and employee engagement within the Alumni Team. More importantly, it has benefited from the unrelenting support of people like Paddy Creedon who have devoted time, knowledge and expertise to help adapt, maintain and in some cases improve the Alumni activities both in Belgium and internationally and that allow for co-creation, learning and exchange even during these very challenging times.

To express our gratitude for Paddy’s contribution to the Vlerick Alumni, as a member of our Alumni Advisory Board and to recognise his contribution we present him with this certificate

Alex Bunting

Paddy is a highly experienced individual both professionally and through his lived experience, he is a strong advocate for people impacted by substance use issues and has been crucial in helping people develop their recovery capital. Paddy is a very calm and positive leader with a wealth of knowledge in business development and workplace wellbeing.

Maurice Whelan

I can’t speak highly enough about Paddy. He has been a complete inspiration to me all my working life. His ability to cut through to the core of a challenge in a respectful and insightful way is simply extraordinary. His authentic self is always at the centre of what he does and his ability to not only bring people with him but to develop them along the journey is well known. To watch him in action is a masterclass in Leadership at its very best. I have no doubt what he has to offer the business community is not only unique but so needed.
LinkedIn Post

When I reflect on my career a large part of that success was because I had a sponsor and mentor who gave me a chance when no one else would, and who believe in me long before I had any belief in myself. That was Paddy Creedon, an extraordinary individual who not only supported me but inspired countless others to believe in themselves and bring their ambition and careers to new heights. Paddy, thanks for just being you and all the amazing work you do through your poetry and in the field of recovery, and for all the careers you supported on your journey so far.
LinkedIn Post

Dr.Hugh Gallagher

I have known and worked with Paddy Creedon for a number of years and his knowledge, experience and leadership skills are exemplary. In more recent times I believe that he has not just led a very strong multi-disciplinary team through a challenging period but has, during that period, improved the service and helped make possible some welcome changes. He embraces change and delivers projects on time and within budget.

Araminta Jonsson

Having worked with Paddy Creedon in a number of capacities now, I can honestly say that he is an absolute pleasure to work with. His processes make the experience seamless and hassle free. He is organised to the extreme and combines professionalism with a warmth that makes you happy to always hear from him. He is a true gentleman and someone I hope I have the good fortune to work with on other projects in the future.

The Education Team at Galway Atlantaquaria

Late last year, Paddy Creedon invited Galway Atlantaquaria, (https://www.nationalaquarium.ie) to take part in a pilot project that supported their integrated complementary therapeutic approach at Smarmore Castle Private Clinic ( www.smarmorecastle.ie) The feedback from patients and staff alike has been overwhelming positive to date. Here at Galway Atlantaquaria, we are delighted to have partnered with Smarmore Castle for 2021 in bringing some of the wonderful native species found around Ireland to their facility in Co. Louth.

Marion Rackard

“Paddy Creedon is a person of deep empathy and humanity for his fellow peers in recovery. His awareness of the losses incurred due to addictive behaviours is based on his experience of a life in recovery where for many years he has benefitted from the practice and philosophy of a spiritually driven recovery programme.
He carries the positive messages of recovery forward in words and in practice to those who are seeking a different way of being.
Paddy also understands and engages with family members in their fundamental loss of relationship with their addicted loved one which is like a healing balm of hope for so many coming from a person in recovery.
To the treatment community Paddy is an important advocate and recovery coach and his efforts to bring forward the voices of those in recovery is tireless and commendable using creative and imaginative ways. As an addiction counsellor and psychotherapist, I deeply appreciate Paddy’s contribution to this field.”