n Episode 17 of Tear Down These Walls, I sit down with Mark Burke from Summerhill — just a stone’s throw from Sheriff Street — for one of the most insightful and honest conversations we’ve had about gambling addiction.

Mark speaks openly about growing up with a mother who lived with depression, and how that environment became his “normal.” It wasn’t until he entered therapy years later that he began to understand the deep impact this had on him.

A gambling addict in recovery, Mark explains why gambling was never about money. He describes it as a mental illness — a constant mental chase that could begin days before a bet was even placed: checking the weather, who the referee is, what country it’s in, the horses. A life lived in anticipation, obsession, and exhaustion. Sleepless nights. Lying awake in bed. A life he describes as “one big spoof.”

Mark speaks with remarkable self-awareness and accountability. There is no blame — only responsibility, reflection, and deep gratitude. His recovery journey is both confronting and hopeful. When gambling no longer numbed the pain, Mark turned to drink and drugs, reaching a point where he no longer wanted to be here.

He shares his experience of entering treatment in Cuan Mhuire, Athy, not wanting to go, having to talk himself into it — and how it became the best decision of his life.

Today, Mark speaks about the small joys of life — walking, the outdoors, freedom, presence. He talks lovingly about his five children, the strong relationship he has with them, and his determination to break generational trauma so that his grandchildren will never have to carry what he and his children carried.

This episode is about recovery, accountability, community, and hope. Mark is deeply committed to helping others and encourages anyone struggling to reach out. His story is living proof that change is possible — and that a new life can be built from the smallest, simplest joys.