Suicide facility - Freeman is an example to everyone

Pieta House, a new facility opened in Lucan yesterday, and which will offer free professional therapeutic services to those in the local community affected by suicide and self-harm, is probably unique in Europe.

Unfortunately, it points to deficiencies which are far from unique in this country.

It is unlikely that Pieta House would be in existence at all but for the faith and determination of the project’s founder, Joan Freeman, who used her own home as security to fund it. Her courage is admirable because it displayed a selfless, altruistic and humanitarian ambition which came to fruition yesterday.