Respected urologist, skilled surgeon and a member of the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine, Belfast-born Professor Ian Walsh has devoted his career to helping others.
But, hospital corridors and sterile operating theatres aren’t the only environment where the professor thrives.
In 2019, his passion for music led him, along with fellow musicians, Ali MacKenzie and Lyn McMulan, to form, RagBone, a rock and blues band whose offerings include the EP Follow the Light and the critically acclaimed album entitled, Sunday Night. Today, the trio, affectionately described as, ‘Three almost wise men,’ enjoy a dedicated following, with a fanbase throughout Ireland and beyond.
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At first glance, Walsh’s life seems the proverbial fairy tale of success. But, his journey hasn’t always been via the scenic route. As his autobiography, The Belly of the Whale, reveals, 18 years ago, Ian lost everything, including his family and his career. He almost lost his life. Now, he shares the story of how, as well as doctor, rocker and writer, he is also a recovering alcoholic.
“I started drinking when I was around 18 or 19.” He says. “At the time, I was a medical student and, back then, alcohol was just part of the social scene. I also played in a band, so I was very immersed in the drinking culture. Initially, it wasn’t a problem. I wasn’t drinking excessively, at least no more than anyone else.”
As time passed, Ian realised his relationship with alcohol wasn’t as benign as it appeared.
“When you cross the line into dependency, believe me, that’s a bleak landscape. It’s a hard, lonely place and, once there, not everyone can escape. My patients had to come first and, as soon as I realised, I was becoming unsafe, I put my hand up and admitted I had a problem. Initially when I contacted the General Medical Council to step back, I thought they’d come down on me like a ton of bricks! But, as it turned out, they were incredibly supportive and did their best to help.”
Leaving the job he loved proved a double-edged sword.
“I think of it as the worst, as well as the best, decision I could have made. Firstly, being unemployed meant, there were no restraints. With no job I could drink as much as I wanted. In that first year, I really lost control. My partner rightly left and took her children with her. I was declared bankrupt, lost my home and ended up living in a wee box room at my mother’s assisted living facility. With no family, no income and nothing to look forward to, there was nothing to do but drink!”
Ian’s health continued its downward spiral.
“Looking back, I see it as a slow form of suicide. People who knew me, thought I was nearing the end. They assumed, that one day, I’d simply overdose and that would be that. But there was also a positive side because, although leaving my job set me hurtling toward rock bottom, it was exactly where I needed to be. The fact is, you must reach rock bottom before you can begin the climb back to health.
Everyone’s ‘rock bottom’ looks different. Ian knew he had arrived when he woke up in hospital, having suffered a severe seizure and a blood clot on the brain.
“Alcohol had taken a massive toll on my health. But the seizure and clot on my brain left me on the brink of death. I remember waking up in hospital and thinking ‘that’s it, I can’t do this anymore’.
“From that moment, I never touched another drink. I had reached my personal rock bottom. Some people take decades to reach ‘rock bottom and, sadly, others never arrive at all. Fortunately, I hurtled toward it at an amazing speed. From there the only way was up. Even today, I cannot believe I escaped with so little physical damage. One of the most important aspects of making it back to health, is to have a network of support. I had many amazing people, who helped and encouraged me.”
I was declared bankrupt, lost my home and ended up living in a wee box room at my mother’s assisted living facility
— Professor Ian Walsh
Now, 18 years sober, life couldn’t be better.
“My career is back on track, I’m working at hospitals within the private sector, travelling between Belfast and Sligo. I try to stay healthy and go to the gym regularly. You know, I used to be a dedicated swimmer, and at one point, I even represented Ireland! I also was a boxer, in the light/heavy weight category. Best of all, the icing on the cake, Lyn and I got married in 2022!”
Walsh’s music career is also on the up!
“My interest in music goes way back to my childhood when my grandfather was a band leader. Then, during adolescence, when I discovered rock and singer/songwriters, my passion really kicked in. I felt that I needed to understand music so I decided to study classic but, gradually, to avoid the rules and rigidity, I drifted away from the genre.”
As well as performing with RagBone, Ian is busy carving a solo career and has just released his new album, Afterain which, if all goes according to plan, will be available in a few weeks and available from the usual outlets, including Spotify, Apple, Youtube and Amazon.
“It’s an incredibly busy time! RagBone has had a great reception at various venues, including the Black Box, Docklands and Union/Library Quarter. But I’m also writing my own music, some is introspective, singer-songwriter stuff, the other is instrumental works. All are my own compositions and all instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboards, piano, strings, harmonica and lap steel slide are played by me. I’m very happy with my life now and incredibly lucky.
Has he any advice for those currently battling addiction?
“Put your hand up. Admit you have a problem. There’s no shame in addiction; it’s just another illness. You cannot do it alone but there are many people ready and willing to help. Just ask!”
If you’re in distress or despair or someone you know is, contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. The helpline is confidential, free and open 24 hours every day.