Pieta House West gains momentum

Pieta House West development gains more momentum


Ciara Galvin
ciaragalvin@mayonews.ie

Suicide affects people of all generations and affects people in different ways. This was what Mayor of Castlebar Councillor Brendan Heneghan told those gathered at a cheque presentation to Pieta House last week. The Mayor said suicide had affected his own family 25 years ago and that although life is challenging, people need to understand that it is precious.
CEO of Pieta House, Joan Freeman was presented with two cheques for Pieta House West by Saoirse Gibbons, Tourmakeady, and Pieta House fundraising volunteer Michael Larkin.
Saoirse, a student at Scoil Mhuire, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh raised €2,900 for Pieta House after organising a walk in the village. Mr Larkin, with the help of Gerry and Mary Collins, Cong, raised €4,688 for the organisation from the sale of the Magical Mayo calendar.
CEO Joan Freeman described the people of Castlebar and Mayo as ‘outstanding’ and quipped that there must be ‘something in the water’ as she noted the public’s generosity.
Ms Freeman addressed the large attendance in the Welcome Inn, and said she would make the people of Mayo three promises.
“I will not stop until there is a Pieta service 100km from everyone in the country. I won’t stop until the government take the issue of suicide as a priority, and I’m not going to stop until there is a reduction of suicide in the male population,” said Ms Freeman.
Stating that men do not reach out for help, Ms Freeman urged the crowd to look out for ‘two men in your lives’ and to visit mindourmen.ie.
Speaking about the upcoming launch of Pieta House West, the founder said she expected the service to open by the middle, to the end of the summer. Ms Freeman went on to describe the service as a legacy to the people of Mayo and Connacht.

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