Mother of teen suicide victims takes legal case
Lorraine Gallagher is suing Donegal Vocational Education Committee following the death of her daughter, Erin, 13.
Erin took her life in October last year amid claims that she was being bullied at school and online. Erin was a secondary school pupil at Finn Valley College in Stranorlar. Her sister, Shannon, 15, also took her life a few weeks later, saying she could not go on without Erin.
Lorraine has launched legal proceedings against Donegal Vocational Education Committee (now Donegal Education Training Board). Ms Gallagher, 37, is claiming damages for mental distress pursuant to the Civil Liabilities Act.
The family’s solicitor, Patsy Gallagher, confirmed that he has now served legal papers on the Donegal ETB.
It is also understood that further proceedings are being prepared to be served on another local authority.
“The necessary papers have been served on their legal representatives,” said Mr Gallagher.
Meanwhile, Ms Gallagher is preparing to mark the first anniversary of the death of Shannon later this month.
In October, Lorraine marked the first anniversary of her youngest daughter Erin’s death.
Lorraine said she knows she has to continue living and fighting for the memory of her two daughters.
“The two girls loved their only brother, Sean James, and now he has a new brother, Lennon,” she said.
“The girls would have loved the two little boys and watching them growing up.
“My doctor told me that I cannot live for the dead but I can live for the living, and that’s what I intend to do for my boys.”
