DD EXCLUSIVE: The heartbroken mother of tragic Shannon Gallagher has said her daughters were the “lights of my life.”
Tragic Shannon comforts mum Lorraine at sister Erin's funeral a few short weeks ago
In her first interview, devastated Lorraine Gallagher told Donegal Daily she was just numb by her daughter Shannon’s death.
Lorraine, 36, spoke after her eldest daughter was found dead just six weeks after her other daughter Erin also took her own life.
Erin, 13, was found dead at the family’s home in Ballybofey on October 27th.
Her elder sister Shannon was found in Castlefin on Wednesday night.
Shannon, who would have been 16 on Christmas Day, comforted her mum Lorraine as they buried Erin just six weeks ago.
But just weeks after the heartbreaking funeral, Lorraine is now preparing to bury her other daughter this Saturday.
Erin Gallagher
Last night Lorraine, speaking through her solicitor Patsy Gallagher, paid tribute to both of her “beautiful” daughters.
“Erin and Shannon were the lights of our lives. They were as close as any two sisters could be.
“We are just devastated by what has happened and we just can’t say anymore. We are all just numb.
“We are lost for words to describe how beautiful they were and what they meant to us.
“We just cannot understand what has happened or why it has happened. There are no answers. We are just being asked for time to grieve and to give Shannon a proper burial.
“We are asking people including the media to respect our privacy and allow us time to bury Shannon with respect and dignity.”
The family’s solicitor Patsy Gallagher has reiterated the family’s plea for privacy at this time.
“I appreciate there will be a level of media interest but I would appeal to the media to respect the family’s privacy at this time,” he said
Shannon’s remains were brought back to the family home this evening for burial after funeral mass at St Mary’s Church in Stranorlar on Saturday at 11am.
How we broke the dreadful news yesterday morning:
http://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/12/13/heartache-as-sister-of-tragic-erin-also-takes-her-own-life/