Shaun Murphy has pleaded with the Government for change after an encounter with a despairing young mother in Dublin.
The English snooker star has been based in Dublin for the past number of years while travelling around the world playing snooker.
But he was back in his adopted home city when his meeting with a young mother painted a harrowing picture of the cost of living crisis.
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"I debated whether to share this and decided I would. I was stopped today in Dublin by a Mother with two children with her (9 and 9 months) begging for help," said Murphy on social media on Friday night.
"She didn't ask for money, just food and specifically some Aptamil and nappies for the youngest child.
"It was completely disarming to meet someone so desperate she was willing to walk the streets asking for help.
"It's broken me inside. It's 2022, why are some people in this position? It's just wrong. Governments around the world should be ashamed.
"I know things are difficult for everyone right now, I just wish there was more that could be done for people most in need right now. Maybe there is, and I'm just not aware of it, and if that's the case, I apologise."
Murphy continued: "In the end I did take her to the shops and buy her the things she needed.
"Normally when do something good for people you feel better about yourself, if only briefly. I just felt heartbroken as I drove home. I hope she and her children are ok."
Murphy has been living in Dublin, where his wife Elaine O'Reilly works as a lecturer, since 2018.
The 40-year-old was a shock winner of the World Snooker Championship in 2005, making him the only the third qualifier, after Alex Higgins and Terry Griffiths, to lift the trophy.
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