Thousands of Irish people who have died by suicide are to be remembered at a special candlelit vigil tonight in central Dublin.
The ceremony, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, will take place in the forecourt of The Bank of Ireland, College Green, for one hour between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
More than 450 people are known to have died by suicide in Ireland last year, with half of victims under the age of 25, but official figures are thought to be well below the actual number.
The Irish charity organisation "3TS" (Turning the Tide of Suicide) said the Vigil will be a solemn occasion of respect and remembrance.
Speaking on behalf of the 3TS, Professor Kevin Malone, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health Research, St, Vincent's Hospital, said: "This is an opportunity for all those in our communities across Ireland who have been touched by suicide to come and light a candle of remembrance in silent vigil, and to lend support to the 3TS Awareness Campaign for action, intervention and prevention at all levels of our society."
Those most at risk are young males aged 15 to 24 living in rural areas. Suicide rates among men have more than doubled in the past 20 years, while among women it has remained relatively constant.
Experts believe a huge stigma is still attached to the issue of suicide in Ireland. As recently as the 1970s the Catholic Church prevented suicide victims from being buried on consecrated ground.
Figures from the World Health Organization show more than one million people take their own lives every year - higher than the numbers killed in wars around the world.
GAA President Sean Kelly, poet Brendan Keneally and, Labour Party TD Mr Michael D Higgins are also due to attend tonight's event.
The Dublin Welsh Male Choir were expected to join the prayers, music, song, and a minute's silence.
Sinn Féin called for more resources to be ploughed into suicide prevention schemes.
"There are not enough resources committed to providing support for people, particularly young people, at risk from suicide," Ms Michelle Gildernew MP said.
World Suicide Prevention Day is in its second year and events locally and internationally aim to raise awareness of the causes of suicide.
Bereaved by Suicide Foundation, who have helped organised tonight's event, offer a free helpline 1800-201890.