Anita Dooley is employed by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board as the head teacher in Limerick Prison and I am grateful to her for recently inviting Changing Ireland to visit Limerick prison. Here’s how it went.
She wanted to show some of the fabulous arts and craftwork produced by prisoners and to discuss their educational pursuits with them. The people I met included dedicated and talented individuals who have won gold in the President’s Gaisce Awards. In all cases, they were most welcoming and engaging.
Prior to visiting, I phoned my Aunt Margaret, because she, until retirement recently, worked as a prison chaplain in London, often meeting young Irish prisoners there.
She said without hesitation:
“When you go in you must show the same respect to every prisoner you meet that you would afford to your mother, father or brother (I have no sisters). No less.”
With that solid advice in mind, I went through the same sad entry route followed by the relatives of prisoners. Being part of a community project based in Moyross means that now I have seen what many others in our area have seen – visiting relatives.
I really felt for one mother from a rural area visiting her young daughter who had become involved at a low level in illegal drugs distribution and was now behind bars. Our reasons for being there were different.
Some prisoners I had known who spent time in Limerick Prison were anti-war activists who had climbed the fence at Shannon Airport to make their views known. Some years ago, I protested outside with others in solidarity with them. I had tried to imagine what it was like for them inside.
The majority of prisoners, however, come from poverty-stricken socio-economic areas.
Nowadays, although the prison facilities have been upgraded, overcrowding is a bigger issue than ever. I did not see the accommodation areas on this visit, but prisoners talked about it. They did their best to make little of it, despite the obviously cramped living conditions. In almost every way, they talked up their experience of prison life and spoke about the rapport among prisoners.
“It is not like you see on television,” they said.
With their big welcome and good spirits they made me feel very comfortable on my short visit.
I would like to thank everyone I met and congratulate all involved among the teaching staff and the students whose work I was privileged to see – which you can see here.
To those competing for Gaisce Awards, best of luck! To those sitting Leaving Cert subjects, best of luck! To those already released since we met, best of luck!
For more read this longer article from my visit telling how prisoners view prison life and education.
READ OUR LATEST EDITION WITH THIS AND MORE STORIES:
