Irish America

Joan Freeman

The Irish and Suicide

By Ray Cavanaugh, Contributor
August / September 2017

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According to a 2017 report by UNICEF, Ireland has the fourth highest rate of teen suicide of E.U. or O.E.C.D. nations. Furthermore, Ireland has Europe’s highest rate of suicide among girls. “While the overall number of people dying by suicide has declined,” James Doorley, National Youth Council of Ireland deputy director, notes, “there has been an increase among young men. … [Read more...] about The Irish and Suicide

Darkness into Light

By Sharon Ní Chonchúir, Contributor
August / September 2015

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How a brave woman turned a dark moment in her family history into a beacon for many grappling with thoughts of suicide. Sharon Ní Chonchúir talks to Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House in Ireland. I live on the Dingle Peninsula, a place with a small and closely-knit community. In the past year alone, I know of three men who have committed suicide. One was a married man who … [Read more...] about Darkness into Light