Matt Talbot

Matt Talbot

Ireland Irelandreligious figureMale7.0Global Dominance: 0.00%

Matt Talbot was a 19th-century Irishman who overcame severe alcohol addiction through faith and prayer. Born into a poor family in Dublin in 1856, he struggled with alcoholism from a young age but turned his life around at 28 by committing to a life of abstinence and spirituality. Talbot's journey from addiction to recovery has made him a symbol of hope for many struggling with substance abuse, and he was declared Venerable in 1975, a step towards canonization.

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Recent news mentions

Matt Talbot was a Dublin labourer who was a member of the Pioneer movement.

The number of Pioneer pins has fallen – but so too has alcohol consumption – The Irish Times
The Irish Times – major Irish daily, est. 1859·IrelandIreland· 2026-08-09
7.0

Matt Talbot is highlighted as an example of how prayer and abstinence can help overcome substance addiction.

Her 17-year-old daughter is under psychiatric care after becoming addicted to HHC vapes – The Irish Times
The Irish Times – major Irish daily, est. 1859·IrelandIreland· 2025-03-02
9.0
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