Mayo priest in plea over sending condolences after a suicide

A Mayo priest has appealed to the public to refrain from posting ­comments such as 'he is in a better place now' or 'she is at peace with the angels' when sending condolences for those who have died by suicide.

Speaking in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, at the weekend, Castlebar native Fr. Mark Quinn revealed in recent months he had experienced his most difficult week of ministry so date.

He elaborated: “In the space of just one week – ­seven days – I attended to the funerals and burials of three middle-aged men. Each one of those men had died by suicide."

Fr. Quinn said many people had spoken to him that week about the 'devastation of it all' and they questioned why Ireland now had a 'terrible epidemic' of suicides.

It gives the impression that this permanent option is a noble way out

Between 450 and 500 people die by suicide every year in Ireland, 80% of whom are younger or middle-aged men.

Fr. Quinn also appealed to the media and entertainment industry in Ireland to 'please stop your relentless attack on the faith in this country'.

“The constant demonisation of the church and people of faith has resulted in thousands, if not millions, walking away from the one thing that can offer people refuge and hope.

“There are so many people out there who have no idea how loved and cherished they are by God because we have a culture that has told them that religion and faith are a thing of antiquity,” he said.

Fr. Quinn also criticised the government for speaking about the importance of mental health and well-being while pushing policies that 'tell us clearly that not all life is valued the same, that not all life is equal, that life can be simply ended if we wish to do so'.