Schools in shock after young pupils’ suicides

TWO schools in west Belfast are in shock after two young pupils took their own lives.

The unconnected deaths of 11-year-old Ciara Doherty from the Mount Eagles estate, and Martin Rooney, 13, from nearby Twinbrook, has plunged a community into grief.

They are the latest in a spate of young suicides in the area over recent years, but the age of the two children, who died within 24 hours of each other, has intensified the bewilderment.

Counselling services to young people in the area have been extended amid fears of further tragedies.

Martin Rooney, a talented footballer who captained his local team Glendowan FC and attended St Colm’s High School, was laid to rest by his family yesterday after a funeral service at St Luke’s parish church.

He died in the Royal Victoria Hospital on Thursday, while Ciara, a pupil of St Louise’s College, was found dead at her home on Friday night.

Her principal, Carmel McCartan, said her death had shocked everyone.

“Ciara was a very kind, gifted, intelligent girl who was full of life and extremely popular with pupils and staff alike.

“The suddenness of her death has added to our collective sense of loss.

“We will continue to work closely with our pupils who have been affected by this terrible tragedy and we will provide ongoing support and counselling to them through our Pastoral Support Centre. We know that the school community will pull together to provide support during these difficult times.”

Principal at St Colm’s Imelda Jordan said Martin’s death had saddened the school community.

“He was a very popular boy with a large friendship group because of his outgoing and friendly personality,” she said.

“As a keen and talented soccer player he was respected by his team mates, both on and off the field.

“Martin’s family are heartbroken and now need our prayers and the time and privacy to try to deal with their grief.”

An emergency meeting of health and education officials, police, community representatives and politicians was held and plans have been made to provide support to young people in the coming week.

Mental health experts are putting more resources into the Colin district and across west Belfast while social networking sites will be used to engage with children.