Ceremonies of light held across Ireland for those affected by suicide.
The ceremonies of light, organised by the charity Console allows families to publicly remember relatives who died by suicide.
At Saint Patrick's College Maynooth, a candlelit ceremony remembers those who lost their lives to suicide.
Each one for a life lost through suicide. Each one for a family left behind.
Families of people who died by suicide gather to share their grief. As Christmas approaches, these families experience renewed sorrow and unanswered questions. Ger Kennedy remembers her son who lost his life to suicide at the age of 30. Eddie Dalton too remembers his son Shane who died by suicide.
Paul Kelly, founder of the charity Console, speaks of the impact on his own family felt when his sister died by suicide. His mother felt that she had failed her daughter and life had no meaning. Console offers families who experience suicide support through counselling services.
Suicide rates are highest in rural areas. Leitrim singer Eleanor Shanley has been a supporter of Console for many years. This year her family was directly affected by suicide.
You never think it's going to be on your doorstep.
Candles burn today across the country as families stand together to remember those who died by suicide and to support each other.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 1 December 2013. The reporter is Carole Coleman.
