Family of woman who died by suicide turns tragedy into force for good

When Lindsey Kelly died by suicide in December last year, her family was determined that the thirty-year-old’s death would not be in vain.

Her mother Margaret – who describes Lindsey as a ‘vibrant person who would always go above and beyond to help anyone’ – reveals that, with the help of her cousin Rachel Curley, they set up a fundraiser which generated over €9,000; money the family decided to split between two charities, Pieta House and Claddagh Watch.

Claddagh Watch, which provides a voluntary waterways patrol service in Galway, was close to Lindsey’s heart, her mother says. Lindsey had been living in Galway City for most of her adult life and had been interested in volunteering with the charity.

Originally from Lecarrow in Co Roscommon, Margaret says the family have taken some solace in knowing that the money raised in Lindsey’s memory might shield another family of the pain they feel.

“Claddagh Watch is something we always felt was very worthy because of the number of lives lost on the river in Galway. My feeling was that if we could prevent one person losing their life, Lindsey’s loss wouldn’t be in vain.

“I wanted her memory to go on and we felt, as a family, that if even one person was saved, either by Pieta House of Claddagh Watch, it would be worthwhile,” says Margaret.

With some of the money donated by the Kelly family, Claddagh Watch has purchased a set of ten torches for use by their volunteers who carry out night time patrols.

In memory of Lindsey, each torch has been engraved with the words, ‘Lindsey Light’, something Margaret says is a powerful symbol.

“Her light will shine on anybody who might need help and anyone who knew Lindsey knew she was a shining light who lit up the room.

“It’s great that she gets talked about each night as volunteers go out with the torches and speak her name. her memory goes on,” adds Margaret.

Claddagh Watch founder Arthur Carr, whose family knew Lindsey, says it is very special for them to carry her memory on each patrol.

“The torches will shine a light on every patrol in memory of the wonderful, vibrant, quick-witted young woman that was Lindsey,” he says.

The organisation continues to keep watch over the city’s waterways at weekends and on occasions where crowds are expected to gather.

The charity marked two years in operation last week – carrying out almost 6,500 hours of patrols in that 24-month period.

With over 100 volunteers, it continues to grow, thanks to the kind donations from people like Lindsey’s family, and the dedication of the volunteers involved, says Arthur.

“We patrol the river from the Commercial Boat Club right down as far as Nimmo’s Pier as well as the canals. We’re hoping to expand that to Quincentenary Bridge and the college area in the coming weeks.

“I have to pay huge tribute to our volunteers. You can have as many managers and founders as you like, but if you don’t have a bunch of volunteers willing to go out on the cold, wet and wintery evenings, you have nothing,” he concludes.