Mother urges suicidal teenagers to seek help

Devastated mother Lorraine Gallagher has pleaded to young people to come forward and speak about their hurt if they are having suicidal feelings.

Lorraine suffered a mother’s worst nightmare on Saturday when she buried her second daughter in the space of just six weeks.

Both Erin Gallagher, 13, and her sister Shannon, 15, took their own lives.

Shannon was buried on Saturday after funeral Mass at St Mary’s Church in Stranorlar, Co Donegal.

Ms Gallagher, 36, said she never wanted any parent to go through what she has suffered in recent weeks.

“I am just numb and I don’t know what to think or say at this time,” she said. “I know nothing can bring my girls back.

“But I did see the looks on the faces of Shannon and Erin’s friends and they are going through so much too. I want them to know that suicide is not the answer to whatever hurt and pain they are going through.

“There is another way and there are people there to listen. Whatever it is, we can sort it out.”

Ms Gallagher, said she feels empty and lifeless, but knows she has to carry on for her 4-year-old son Seán James.

“Seán James was the centre of Erin and Shannon’s lives,” she said. “They lived for him. I know they are looking down now and protecting us.”

Hundreds of mourners attended Shannon’s funeral. Her remains were carried into the church by members of the Twin Towns Boxing Club of which Shannon was a leading member.

A picture of the sports-mad Finn Valley College student in the boxing ring sat on top of her white coffin.

Local priest Fr John Joe Duffy said society had failed Shannon and her sister.

He said Erin’s death should have being a dawn for change for agencies and support groups.

“Society has failed two children, two sisters, within two months and that is a most damning indictment for any society, evidenced by the second white coffin that is before this altar within two short months, 45 days ago to be exact,” he said.