I first came to AA in Manchester in 1966. I went to meetings there for ten or twelve months. I was told: “If I go back drinking it will only get worse”, but I did not listen. I went back out and believe me, it got worse much worse than it was before.

I ended up in Hull Prison in 1969. One night I walked into the snooker hall and a bloke was knocking the balls about. I asked him if he wanted a game. We set the balls up and he then said he could not stay for very long as he had to go to classes. I looked at the clock it was 6.10pm. I said: “All the classes will have finished at six.” he replied “Not mine”. I asked what class he went to and after a while he said he went to AA. I told him that I had gone to AA outside for twelve months.

Just then the officer shouted him for his class. He said something to the officer and the officer asked me if I would like to go to the meeting - I said yes. I went that Monday night and it was the most positive thing I have ever done in my whole life. I kept going to AA while I was in prison.

On the day of my release an officer said somebody was waiting for me outside. It was the AA member who came into the prison every Monday night to pass the message. It was a great joy to see that person outside, so that Wednesday night I got to a meeting in Hewitt Street in Manchester.

After years of hell and torture I came to believe in a power greater than myself. I have just got to forty years sobriety, only with the help of this wonderful Fellowship. I still love going to meetings as this is the only way I know to show my gratitude. Thanks to the Scottish man in the snooker hall and to the English man at the gates on the outside. Bless you all in fellowship one day at a time.

Sean
Dalkey, Dublin