Donegal man celebrating 100 days smoke-free shares how he quit after 30 years

Mo Kelly from Rathmullan is celebrating 100 days smoke-free. 

Mo, who works as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA), successfully quit smoking with the support of Fiona Boyle, a specialist with the Donegal HSE Stop Smoking Service. He said he is now €160 a week better off after quitting a 20-a-day habit. 

Marking his 100-day milestone in the lead up to National No Smoking Day, February 18, Mo has chosen to share his story to encourage others who may be considering quitting.

Mo smoked for approximately 30 years. While he once saw cigarettes as a “time out” and believed they helped him manage stress, he now realises the opposite was true. Ten years ago, Mo attempted to quit by switching to vaping but found himself becoming even more dependent. Mo said, “ I always had it in my hand, so I went back to smoking. Looking back, I just wasn’t ready to quit.”

Last Halloween, Mo decided he would have another attempt, saying, “November is a dry month and a good time to try it, so I contacted the local HSE Stop Smoking Service.” Mo credits the structured support for his success, “There is no magic answer, it takes some work. Attending the Stop Smoking Service meant I was supported with what I wanted to do. A plan was set, and I worked towards my quit date. We looked at why and when I smoked, the times I’d find most difficult, and the habits and addiction involved.”

A significant motivator was monitoring Mo’s carbon monoxide levels at each appointment. “When I learned that after just one day of not smoking, my carbon monoxide levels would be back to normal, I found that amazing after smoking for years. That really motivated me.”

Following discussions with his stop smoking specialist, Mo used nicotine patches and mouth spray to manage cravings, saying, “It was a bonus to discover these products were free when you join the Stop Smoking Service. I followed the plan, used the patches, and here I am, 100 days quit.”

While Mo admits there were moments of temptation, willpower combined with ongoing professional support made the difference. “There were times I could have had a cigarette, but with regular visits and encouragement, I worked through it. I still attend the clinic and get follow-up calls. Without that, I’d probably still be sitting on a Sunday night thinking Monday had the answer.

“My reason for talking about my journey is to show others that there is support there that really works. You can quit. I never thought I could. The support is friendly, encouraging, and there’s no pressure. Contact the Stop Smoking Service and give it a go, you’ve nothing to lose.”

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Fiona Boyle, Tobacco Lead and Senior Health Promotion Officer with the HSE, said, “Mo’s achievement shows that with the right support, people can successfully quit smoking, even after many years. Quitting is not just about willpower; it’s about having a structured plan, understanding your triggers, and getting encouragement at the right time. Our Stop Smoking Service provides free, personalised support and access to medication that can significantly increase your chances of quitting for good. We would encourage anyone thinking about stopping to reach out, you don’t have to do it alone.”

The HSE Community Stop Smoking Service in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim offers free, non-judgemental support to anyone who wants to stop smoking or who has recently quit. The service helps clients prepare for quitting and provides support throughout their first smoke-free year.

Free stop-smoking medications include patches, gum, lozenges, QuickMist and Varenicline tablets, which are available to clients who join the service. There are currently 21 clinics operating across the North West.