Priest calls in counsellors after deaths

The sudden deaths of four young people from the same housing estate in the west Clare resort of Kilkee has prompted the local parish priest to call in bereavement counsellors to comfort the local community.

Since last winter, the 78-house Marian Estate in Kilkee has been traumatised by the deaths of four young residents.

On October 17th, Lorna Mahoney (13) and Stacey Haugh (16) died after being involved in a car crash near Carrigaholt. A 15-year-old boy was charged with dangerous driving, causing the deaths of the two girls, and he is now on the run having absconded while on bail.

Last month 22-year-old Ms Mary Marrinan collapsed and died while out dining with friends.

A week later, 24-year-old Mr Damien Hart drowned while swimming at Kilkee.

Fr Donogh O'Meara, who officiated at the funerals of all four, said yesterday; "it is too much grief for the community to deal with, and it has had a huge effect."

He said people are struggling to make sense of what has happened and the tragedies have particularly affected young people in the area.

"People are experiencing grief, anger and the whole questioning of God. Why all this has happened and why here in the Marian Estate and Kilkee? It throws up a plethora of questions."

Fr O'Meara said the residents of the Marian Estate are good people and have been very supportive of each other. "But my own sense was that professional counselling was needed."

He said this was confirmed in a parish survey, where residents spoke of a lack of bereavement counselling.

He said he has been in touch with Milford House in Limerick and bereavement counsellors have come to Kilkee and met people in their homes.

Fr O'Meara spoke about the issue at Mass last Sunday and invited people to take part in a bereavement support group for people in the area.

He said that he hopes to hold a Mass or a prayer service in the Marian Estate over the summer.

The mother of Lorna Mahoney, Mrs Geraldine Mahoney, said yesterday she was delighted bereavement counselling is being made available.

"It is something that should be there automatically and it should be on our doorsteps."

The local GP, Dr Finbarr Fitzpatrick, also welcomed the initiative by Fr O'Meara.

Meanwhile, the inquests into the deaths of Stacey Haugh and Lorna Mahoney were yesterday adjourned due to ongoing criminal proceedings into the deaths of the two girls.

A 16-year old boy was charged with the dangerous driving, causing the deaths of the two girls.

Bail was granted for the boy last January and he subsequently absconded. It is believed that he is currently in the UK.

Clare County Coroner, Ms Isobel O'Dea, alluded to the accused absconding when she told the inquest jury that the families are aware of the difficulties in relation to the criminal proceedings.

The inquest heard medical evidence yesterday from Dr Elizabeth Mulcahy.

Dr Mulcahy said Stacey died from head injuries consistent with being involved in a road traffic accident. In relation to Lorna, Dr Mulcahy said that she had sustained a skull fracture and a broken neck.

Ms O'Dea adjourned proceedings, explaining to the jury that only medical evidence could be heard at this time due to the ongoing criminal proceedings.