Lorraine Gallagher, the mother of two teenage girls who took their own lives within weeks of eachother, says she just wants to put 2012 behind her.
Devastated Lorraine is still struggling to come to terms with the deaths of her two daughters Erin, 14 and Shannon, 15.
Both girls were found dead in Ballybofey and Castlefin in October and December.
Erin died amidst claims that she was being bullied while older sister Shannon was found dead just six weeks later.
The girls’ mother said Shannon just could not carry on in life without her best friend and sister Erin.
Lorraine, 36, said last night that she is trying desperately to pick up the pieces and get on with her life.
She says she is trying to erase the pain of the loss of her two beloved daughters.
But she admits that she is struggling to cope.
“Every day is a struggle and the girls are all I think about night and day.
“I’m trying to keep as normal a life as I can for Sean James but I am surrounded by the memories of the girls.
Erin and Shannon Gallagher’s mum Lorraine has started legal proceedings against Donegal VEC
“I am praying it will get easier with time. It’s still very raw and I just want to erase 2012 from my memory.
“I am just hoping I can pick up the pieces and find some kind of understanding in 2013,” she said.
Lorraine visited the girls’ graves in Castlefin Cemetery on Christmas Day which she said was the hardest thing she has ever done.
Shannon would have turned 16 on December 23rd.
“We used to have such a great time at Christmas and the girls loved it.
“We spent our Christmas together at a graveside. I was just numb going to the grave. I didn’t know what to say to the girls.
“In the end, we didn’t have to say anything. They know how much
Lorraine, from Ballybofey, says she knows she has to continue for the sake of her remaining child Sean James, 4.
Meanwhile Lorraine’s solicitor Patsy Gallagher has confirmed he is continuing with a case of alleged negligence against Donegal Vocational Education Committee over Erin’s death.