What am I to say about the 'Mysteries 2003' show. I have pondered this same question for some time now.

While I can deliver a few lines well I am a total embarrassment when it comes to synchronized movement, whether that be dance or whatever.

Yet! the patience and support of my fellow performers and directors is heartening.

I have never been involved in anything that has created such friendships and boosted ones confidence and self-esteem like this activity.

This is the second time I have been involved in a show, the first was in Grainne Mhaol last year, the friends I made in that I delight to see. Unfortunately only about 15 are performing in this show.

It is hard to compare the shows. While Grainne Mhaol was directed by Kathy Leahy on behalf of the Belgrade Theatre Company, Coventry, and a large number of us went to Coventry to perform in the show in the cathedral, this year it is truly a joint production between Macnas, Galway and the Belgrade Theatre Company.

Seven professional actors from England and Ireland, sixteen wonderful actors from Coventry combined with twelve actors from Galway form a nucleus who will perform in both cities of Coventry and Galway. They will be joined by fifty-seven performers in each city. Those involved from prop makers to executive producers must be greatly admired for such wonderful organization.

Above all this one experience shines above all else and that is Kieran. Kieran is a person with a learning disability. I must confess I have always felt uncomfortable with such people. But for some strange reason Kieran decided that he would stick to me like glue.

The one thing about performance is that one must rely on everyone else to achieve a great show. In doing so I a lot about Kieran. He is good in his roles in the show and has a capability beyond what I would have expected from a person with a learning disability.

He has a capacity for love which is unconditional and Kieran helps me feel very good about myself. I believe that one must be loved before one can give love themselves and while I have many that love me his unconditional love strengthens mine.

He annoys me at times particularly when I am trying to concentrate on something and he starts soothing me by rubbing my back or head.

I tend to have an inferiority complex which causes me to try and show a superiority over others. Kieran has done two wonderful things for me first he has made me feel better about myself and secondly because there is no pretence with him, he sees things as they are and says so, which has started me looking at things differently.

Thanks Old Pal

Jim