As he stood on the banks of Lough Ree in the heart of Ireland’s Lake District, President Michael D Higgins gazed skywards to watch a bright rainbow of balloons swirl and soar to the heavens, each one a visible reminder of loss and heartache — but also a symbol of hope.

JOHN FENTON should be looking forward to celebrating son Matthew’s 30th birthday this month — instead he will visit the Cork cemetery where he keeps a memorial to the US Marine Corps sergeant who died from the terrible injuries he suffered in Iraq in 2006.

CAROLINE MOORE’s two children, Amy and Andrew, died of the same, incurable disease.