My name is Cillian McSweeney

I’m 22 years old and I live in Cork city in southwest Ireland

I use a wheelchair. I can’t talk but I can communicate in a different way. I have always listened to music but I didn’t think I would be able to make music because of my disability.

I started attending SoundOUT-Cork Music Works Project in 2010. I learned to make music using Sound Beam. I wanted to write my own music and songs. I started writing words for songs with help to write them down. I showed my music trainer/facilitator, Gráinne McHale, my songs. She loved them and said we would put them to music.

I joined the Knocknaheeny Music Project. I showed the band my words and we put the music around them. I use a Soundbeam head switch to play music electronically.

This year we played gigs in Fitzgerald’s Park, played for President Mary MacAleese and I have been interviewed on the TV3 news programme. I want to continue to write songs for others to sing. This is my future!