13 Nov Gerard Devine – Poet and Firefighter
When were you identified as dyslexic?
I found out at the end of Primary School, when I was about 11 years old. My mum enquired to my teacher and asked if I might have dyslexia. My teacher said that there is no such thing as dyslexia. However, my mum then pushed for me to get assessed.
How was your experience at school?
I was very nervous when it came to speaking and answering questions and standing up in front of class. I found myself struggling more at secondary school particularly when it came to languages. In my Inter Cert exam in French (the equivalent of the now Junior Cert) I got 3 per cent. My French teacher then said I didn’t have to do the class as long as I didn’t disrupt it. I did my homework at the back and I never told my parents. I also struggled with Irish. I excelled in sports, in particular gaelic football and hurling.
Did you receive supports in education?
I had grinds for English. It was always on a one-to-one basis and the teachers were great. I did honours English; I was stubborn, I would learn stuff off by heart. I credit the GAA and playing sports with boosting my confidence.
How has your experience of work been?
From my GAA community I was encouraged to join the fire brigade. Every firefighter in Dublin Fire Brigade is also a paramedic. I had to study extremely hard to learn the medical content, I put in a lot of hours.
We do 15 hour shifts and we are always busy. In Dublin Fire Brigade, we attend a variety of incidences, including water rescues, medical emergencies, fires, and road traffic accidents.
A few years ago I was bitten by a dog and was hospitalised for a week having surgeries. Unable to work, to help pass time, it was then I started writing poetry. I went on to enter the Fingal Poetry Slam, which I won. This built my confidence and I went on to write some more. My poetry is influenced by Irish culture and life experiences. Recently I was invited to New York for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 to perform my poem ‘The Firefighters Call’, which has raised thousands for charity. I also have a poem about dyslexia called ‘Self Belief’.
What advice would you give to other dyslexic people?
Don’t let it hold you back. We all have different strengths and ways of looking at things. Focus on your strengths. Dyslexia has nothing to do with your intelligence, so never let it hold you back.
You can follow Ger and see some of his poetry on his Instagram page.