Hundreds of people yesterday attended candlelight vigils across the country to remember those who have lost their lives through suicide as part of World Suicide Prevention Day.
More than 400 families and friends bereaved by suicide attended the vigil in Dublin, which was held at the Bank of Ireland forecourt at College Green.
The ceremony was marked with music, prayer and a minute's silence as those in attendance held their lit candles in memory of all who have died by suicide in Ireland.
Large numbers of people also attended commemorative events in Galway city and Letterkenny, Co Donegal, as this was the first year that vigils have been extended nationwide.
Television presenter and author Christy Keneally, who spoke at yesterday's vigil in Dublin, said suicide can affect any family.
Joe MacAvin, spokesman for Irish charity 3T's (Turning the Tide of Suicide), which organised the vigils, said the occasion was "a special night for families and friends who have been affected by suicide to honour their loved ones," particularly as new figures indicate that three out of four people know someone who has died by suicide.
3T's also took Suicide Prevention Day as an opportunity to call on the Government to learn from other European countries in taking successful measures to prevent suicide deaths through increased funding.
Many other countries have been successful in reducing deaths by suicide, particularly in Finland, which has reduced suicide rates by 20 per cent in the last decade.
In Northern Ireland, where suicide rates are said to be the highest in Europe, suicide prevention day was marked by a mass release of pink and blue balloons outside Belfast City Hall. At Stormont yesterday, First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said suicide was one of the most vital issues facing the powersharing executive.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams is convening a Stormont conference on suicide prevention later this month.
The Action on Suicide Alliance, which is made up of local and national organisations in Ireland, is drafting recommendations to be submitted to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in October.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled to take place in Wexford tomorrow at 8pm.
Those affected by suicide should contact Console on 1800-201-890 for confidential advice and support.