Chapter Title: The Hidden Costs of Belonging

Chapter Title: The Hidden Costs of Belonging

Alan Hughes gave Ireland a laugh one morning with a harmless on-air slip — the kind of live TV moment that goes viral for all the right reasons. But behind the smiles and chuckles of the breakfast show, some stories remain too quiet for morning TV.

My story — and Josephine’s — is one of them.

I pay €48 a month for basic broadband. No TV, no bundle, no loyalty rewards. Every year, the price creeps up, and when the connection drops or faults appear, I'm left on hold for 30 minutes or more. I’ve been told, over and over, that the issue is “in my house,” even when it’s clear it started with works out on the street.

Now imagine facing that kind of system — but in every part of your life.

Josephine joined the Special Olympics Ireland club in 2008, and it gave her more than a sport: it gave her a community. But what began as support slowly became something more controlling. As the years went on, the club’s increasing fees and structured schedules started to isolate her — not just financially, but personally.

By 2016, I saw less and less of her. The club had taken centre stage, and our friendship — once a strong anchor — was pushed to the side. It wasn’t malicious; it was systemic. Club rules, commitments, and costs left little room for anything else.

In 2025, she’s still in that world. Still attending, still striving. But with whispers about her skipping meals to afford membership fees, I now send care packages — not because she asked, but because I know what it’s like when loyalty becomes a burden.

So yes, Alan’s slip gave us all a laugh. But away from the camera, there’s a different kind of slip happening — one where vulnerable people are quietly left behind, caught between rising costs and silent expectations.

It’s time to talk about it.


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