Students urged to look out for each other in wake of tragedies

Galway third level students have been asked to look out for each other’s mental health following two tragedies this month.

NUI Galway Students Union urged its members to keep an eye out for friends, who might be feeling ‘down’.

The appeal came from NUIG SU president, Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh, who revealed two NUIG students had taken their own life this March.

“This is quite a serious message. In this job, we experience the highs and the lows of student life here on campus. Unfortunately, and regrettably, over the past three weeks, we’ve had two student suicides, which is really stark and really, really terrible,” said Mr Ó Maoileannaigh.

He said that following the suicides, he and the SU executive, Megan Reilly, welfare officer, and Andrew Forde, education officer, debated the best way to react to the issue, and perhaps to launch a campaign.

However, Mr Ó Maoileannaigh called on students to play their part and reach out to friends.

“I think it’s quite important, because it’s quite a simple message. We have our student support service cards and they’re great but we need people on the ground to be looking out for one another.

“I’m just asking you guys, if you wouldn’t mind reaching out to your friend, your housemate, your classmate. Ask them if they are doing okay, because you don’t know what’s beneath the surface,” he added.

■ For more on this story, see the print edition of the Connacht Tribune.