Anthony put €100 on a horse and it won at a price of 7/1. What a buzz for a first big punt. He called Liveline last week. He is 24. He hasn’t had a bet since Christmas. He is working. But he has a debt of €3,000 which he wants to pay off. Money borrowed from friends chasing his losses which inevitably followed that €700 win.

I only wrote here a couple of weeks ago about the fun, excitement and elation of winning money at the races. It is great if you can enjoy it. For Anthony and many more, it is a gateway to hell.

After Anthony’s call last week as I kept the seat warm for Joe Duffy, we received many more calls from young men who had a story to tell: how it begins with that first harmless bet, and how, like the pull of a trigger, it catapulted them into an uncontrollable life of self-loathing, debt, embarrassment, denial, family conflict and living a life of torment.

I remember about 20 years ago when I thought I was bigger than I was, mixing it with the big boys. I was working in local radio earning mere pennies. The big boys were probably on half a crown more. Early twenties. There was a whisper of a so called “Klondike”.

There was a few pound to be made. Rubs hands. Clandestine meeting invitation. A buzz. Mixing with local movers and shakers. Lucky to be part of it all.

Then something clicked. Is this what they call pyramid selling? I remember the doubt in my mind clinging to a wad of notes in the pocket of my suit (suit, shirt and tie at 23 years age – I must have thought I was someone important). I got out of there, wad of notes included.

The following week, the story of the “Cavan pyramid scheme” appeared in the local paper. It was a complete wake-up call to me. Firstly, what the hell was I doing? Secondly, why the hell didn’t I do an undercover report!

But back to the men ringing Liveline, submerged in a swirling life of gambling. I get it. Peer pressure. Fear of missing out. It is why the focus has been on the GAA where there are pockets of young lads in groups together. A smartphone and an online account, and bingo, you are away in a hack. What’s not to like about that – especially when you can win easy money? Look! See? You have just won €700. Welcome to the club Anthony. Like wearing designer clothes or driving a nice car, being able to hold your drink or having a good looking girlfriend, gambling big and winning big is the stuff of the local cool dude. We don’t hear about the losses.

Fair play to Anthony, whoever he is, for having the confidence to go on national radio. He didn’t sound to me as the worst case of a gambling addict. But he managed to prove that we can talk about it openly and, by coming on air to chat to him, Oisín McConville proved that there is a solution. Go talk, lads. CL

Get ready for an ugly debate

Brace yourself, folks. We got a sobering warning on Tonight with Vincent Browne one night last week that we are going to have to endure what will be a most unseemly, bitter and offensive debate regarding abortion in Ireland in the months ahead.

Four women, two from each side of the argument, appeared on the show and, to be honest, it was quite unsettling viewing. It is arguably the most divisive issue in Irish society. Social media will of course play its usual murky role in upsetting and abusing protagonists on either side. Just you wait and see.