My trip to Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin to hear Kerry Max Cook.

I was delighted and honoured that I was invited to go to listen to Kerry Max Cook’s speech in the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin. The talk was organised by ‘Soar’, an organisation which aims to help young people to learn to cope with and accept the things that life throws at them. Ms. Dympna English organised a visit by Soar to Mulroy College in March this year and I found the experience extremely interesting and along with other students we found it rewarding.  The school was then invited to attend Soar’s conference and Ms English organised the trip and accompanied me to Dublin along with Ms. Catherine Crawford to hear Kerry Max Cook’s story.

Kerry was falsely imprisoned on death row for 22 years for a murder that he did not commit. He fought his innocence until the bitter end and was released from jail after his name was cleared. Kerry’s story really inspired me to keep going and to never lose hope.  He has had to deal with the most horrific conditions and experiences imaginable.  He told the story with so much emotion; it nearly brought me to tears. His story has shown me that people can get through anything, will power and a positive attitude means everything. I thoroughly enjoyed this eye opening, once-in-a-lifetime, experience and enjoyed the message of keeping positive at all times.

By Ciara Goode