BY CONOR SHARKEY
THE final words of young Strabane hurler Brendan 'Barney' McGee urging young people suffering from depression to seek help have not fallen on deaf ears, Melmount parish priest Fr Michael Doherty said ths week.
Brendan McGee (22) took his own life at his Castlegrange home in the early hours of last Sunday morning. In a series of heartbreaking messages left for his family and fiancee, the popular sportsman revealed he had been battling depression for several years and that he simply could not continue. He also urged young people to seek help for the illness and not to bottle it up as he did.
Hundreds gathered at Melmount Church last Wednesday to hear Fr Doherty pay tribute to Brendan and offer sympathies to his family.
DEPRESSION
And speaking to the Strabane Chronicle earlier this week, the parish priest revealed that he had already been approached by a number of young people wishing to discuss depression and suicide.
"I would have known Brendan from his time at St Colman's High School and from his connection with Shamrocks Hurling Club. He was a very popular young man, as was evident from the crowds who attended his funeral," he said.
Explaining what he believes drives a young person to take their own life, Fr Doherty continued: "I find it very hard to understand why young people commit suicide, because it is a phenomenon that that wasn't prevelant when I was growing up. Whether it is that the person just feels that they can't take the pressure any longer, I'm not sure.
"There must just come a time when there is nothing there but darkness and at that moment they can see no way out," he said.
Meanwhile, Fr Doherty revealed that Holy Cross College, with which he has close links, has taken steps to address the growing trend of suicide among young people.
"In the school over the past few years, there have been speakers brought in from various groups including Aware Defeat Depression, to address pupils on the issue of suicide.
"We want to make them aware of what help is available and that no matter what, they are not alone. There is always help out there in the form of a teacher, friend or the clergy and we are always willing to listen.
"Whether it is a result of Brendan McGee's death, a few young people have been in touch this week to discuss these issues.
"These are youngsters who have been suffering themselves and there is the fear that they might do the same. I'm only too happy to listen and hopefully myself or someone else can point them in the right direction," he said.
With a final word of advice for any young person feeling depressed or under pressure, Fr Doherty added: "Think about the aftermath for the family and those who are left behind with so many questions unanswered. They ask, why did they do it? Could I have done something to prevent it? And quite often they end up needing help themselves. So, think about what you would be leaving behind and talk to someone. Help is never far away," he said.
