Tragic Shannon Is Laid To Rest As Priest Blasts Authorities For Failing To Help Her

Donegal mum Lorraine had to be helped into the church by her father Jimmy yesterday as she buried her second teenage daughter in six weeks.

Priest Fr John Joe Duffy blasted the authorities for failing to stop Shannon Gallagher taking her own life. He conducted the sermon for the 15-year-old schoolgirl, just six weeks after he buried her sister Erin, 13.

Both young girls died by suicide.

Hundreds packed St Mary’s Church in Stranorlar, Co Donegal, for the moving service.

Fr Duffy said Erin’s death should have prompted a change in dealing with troubled youngsters.

He said: “Society has failed two children, two sisters within two months. My heart is devastated at how poorly we understand the issues concerning mental health.

“The system in place simply does not work. We are failing to protect the most fragile and most vulnerable children in our society.”

Shannon’s remains were brought into the church by members of her beloved Twin Towns Boxing Club where the sport-loving teenager had won county and Ulster titles.

A picture of the Finn Valley College student in the boxing ring sat on top of her white coffin.

Shannon’s remains were led away for burial in Castlefin Cemetery, friends stood beside her coffin and released pink balloons, just as they did weeks ago for her sister Erin.