'It was a very emotional evening': Suicide Prevention Day marked in Cork

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024 - 10:32

Donal O’Keeffe

As the sun began to set on World Suicide Prevention Day, candles lit up the plaza on Cork’s Albert Quay as motorcycles growled and roared around the small crowd gathered against the darkness.

Just after 8pm yesterday, the Cork High Hopes Choir and their friends from Cork Penny Dinners held their annual vigil to remember loved ones lost to suicide, and those left behind.

Caitriona Twomey’s grandson Cruze delights in the candles, lit as symbols of hope during Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event organised by Caitriona to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Picture Chani Anderson

With the pavement and the railings along the river lit up with golden night-light candles, a lone piper played ‘Fáinne Geal an Lae’ (The Dawning of the Day) on the Parnell Bridge.

On the water below, a speedboat piloted by volunteers from Cork City Missing Persons circled, with the mascot Bear Hope at the helm.

Just after 8pm, a group of Cork bikers set off from Albert Quay, carrying teddy bears throughout the city.

Mark and Allieah Keating pictured with Sophie Walsh and Danielle Ford from Ballyphenane at Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day held on Albert Quay. Picture Chani Anderson

“We do this every year to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, which is a day dedicated not just to raising awareness, but to creating a space for compassion, conversation, and hope for all,” Caitríona Twomey, volunteer co-ordinator with Cork Penny Dinners, told The Echo.

“This year, our theme is ‘Start the Conversation’, which is a call to each of us, a reminder that opening our hearts and our mouths can ignite change, foster understanding, and build bridges of connection. We know all too well that these conversations can be tough, but in their unfolding, we discover the power of love and community.”

Candles and Teddy bears lined Albert Quays symbols of hope during Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day organised by Caitriona Twomey. Picture Chani Anderson

Ms Twomey said the vigil had prayed and sang for all who had lost loved ones.

“It was a very emotional evening, and it sent a powerful message about the terrible loss that people leave behind,” she said.

Lord Leon 11, Zoey 9 and Ciara Rawley from Bishopstown pictured at Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day held on Albert Quay. Picture Chani Anderson

As the vigil came to a close, a lone bugler sounded ‘The Last Post’ while the candles flickered against the night.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, listening support is available at any time from Samaritans on Freephone 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.ie.

Text support is available at any time from Spunout: Text HELLO to 50808.

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