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A POPULAR teenager who died by suicide four years ago is to be remembered by his family and friends who want to raise money for the Southwest Counselling Centre.

Sixteen-year-old Ian O'Riordan from Maughantouring in Gneeveguilla was a gentle and handsome teenager who was a transition-year student at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore.

But life changed drastically when Ian died by suicide on January 14, 2013.

To mark Ian's 21st birthday, his mom, Eileen, is organising a fundraising walk in Gneeveguilla on February 11 at 3pm when she hopes to raise much-needed funds for the Southwest Counselling Centre.

"It was the most devastating time for me and my family, brother, sister, school friends, who were all only children at the time.

"It was with the support and help of Southwest Counselling that these children got through this horrible time. I don't think you ever get over it but you learn to cope and live with it.

"Southwest Counselling provided the most extraordinary service. At any time, short notice or not, Southwest Counselling would see these youths and guided them through it," Eileen said.

Ian is remembered as a gentle, handsome, and caring boy. An older brother to Melissa and Liam, he loved to play rugby, do rowing and horseriding and loved spending time with his friends.

"He was the life and soul of every party," Eileen added.

"This 21st birthday remembrance walk means an awful lot to my family and will hopefully help more youths in the future through Southwest Counselling."

Family and friends of Ian now hope to get as many people as possible to come out on February 11th to help remember Ian, to mark his 21st birthday and to raise funds for the service that proved a tremendous support during a very difficult time.

The 5k walk begins at 3pm and donations can be made on the day.

Registration is 10 euro and will take place at Petros Bar Gneeveguilla from 2pm on Saturday, February 11, and the walk will begin at 3pm.
 

 
Above: Ian O'Riordan.