The deaths of two Limerick brothers have led to a call for the setting up of an alcohol and drug addiction centre in the city.
A public meeting was held at the weekend after the recent deaths of Mr Geoffrey Roche (25) and Mr Alan Roche (22), from Prospect, within a week. They took their own lives due to alcohol-related problems.
The meeting heard that the Limerick actor Richard Harris had pledged his support for a campaign after he heard of the circumstances in which the brothers died. The campaigners are to seek support from politicians and are appealing for a benefactor to provide a site.
Father Joe Young, of Southill, who officiated at the funerals, said yesterday: "They were the most harrowing and painful experiences to date in my life."
He said alcohol and drug-taking among young people was at an all-time high, and a lot of them were looking for help, "but they have nowhere to turn and are caught up in the web of addiction".
He said there was an urgent need for treatment for young people, particularly those under 16.
Mr Tommy Roche (29), a brother of the two deceased, said: "I hope that the powers that be can see the pain my family is going through and not let it happen to another family. I believe my brothers were crying out for help."