Families light a candle for suicide victims

Families and friends of people lost through suicide attended remembrance ceremonies throughout the country yesterday organised by the national suicide prevention and bereavement charity, Console.

Christmas Celebrations of Light took place in Maynooth, Galway, Limerick, Wexford, Tipperary, and Mayo.

Those attending lit candles to remember those who lost their lives and a minute’s silence was observed.

More than 1,000 people attended the ceremony at St Patrick’s College in Maynooth, where performances were given by some of Ireland top entertainers, including Rebecca Storm, Niamh Kavanagh, Eleanor Shanley, and Paul Hennessy.

The Maynooth service was led by author and broadcaster Christy Kenneally, with readings by RTÉ’s Eileen Dunne.

More than 500 people lost their lives to suicide in Ireland last year alone and Console founder and chief executive Paul Kelly believes the Christmas Celebration of Light lets people show that the memory of their dead loved ones is very much alive.

“The Christmas Celebration of Light provides families and friends with a gentle and understanding environment to celebrate the lives of their loved ones,” said Mr Kelly.

A Celebration of Light will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Western Rd, Cork, next Sunday at 4pm.

* www.console.ie.