Sudden death relatives need support centre

AS the funeral took place yesterday of a well-known Limerick hurler, it emerged that a young mother his age also died in Limerick at the weekend from sudden adult death syndrome.

Willie O’Brien, who would have turned 28 this week, was found dead in his bed by his mother on Saturday morning.

He had gone to bed early the night before, feeling tired after training with the Knockainey hurling team.

Willie and his twin brother Donncha were due to line out with the team on Sunday in a vital championship game.

A post mortem examination found he died from sudden adult death syndrome (SADS).

More than 1,000 mourners attended the funeral yesterday at Knockainey where his former team colleagues formed a guard of honour.

It was learned yesterday that a woman, also 28, died suddenly in her home in Limerick also on Saturday.

Noelle Ray was going upstairs to feed her seven-month-old baby, Fergus, when she collapsed and died. It is believed she too was a victim of SADS

Fergus is due to have life-saving surgery in Dublin shortly to correct a serious intestinal problem.

Limerick curate Fr Joe Young yesterday called for the opening of a special centre in Limerick where people bereaved by the condition can share their grief.

Last year, he set up Lost Futures, a help group for people who have lost loved ones in sudden circumstances.

Initially he held meetings in his own home, but due to the increasing numbers attending the gatherings he had to find a bigger place. Lost Futures now holds meetings at the Pastoral Centre in Denmark Street every Thursday at 8.30pm.

Fr Young said: “People now travel from many parts of the region to attend the Lost Future meetings.”

He said there was often denial in coming to terms with a sudden unexpected death, especially when it involves a young person.

He said: “Where does a family go? I am all for counselling, but I believe deeply that to sit down with somebody who has gone through the same suffering you have been burdened with, you can see the solace because of the empathy between these people. I feel that you get one chance to make a difference in helping people and that is what Lost Futures is all about.”

He said there were so many bereaved families out there seeking help, a centre should be opened in Limerick where people who have lost family members through SADS and other circumstances could meet.

He said: “I would like to see such a centre open five days a week to give people a chance to get out of the tomb of despair and help one another through sharing a grief only they know.”

He said he was putting together a discussion document which he plans to bring before the Health Service Executive.