Olivia Kelleher
The family of three brothers who died in a double murder-suicide earlier this year plan to raise funds for a foundation which provides counselling to people in distress.
Elaine Hennessy, who lost her father and two uncles in the tragedy, is also pleading with members of the public not to “bottle up” their emotions.
The bodies of Willie Hennessy (66) and Paddy Hennessy (60) were found at the family home at Currraghgorm on the outskirts of Mitchelstown on February 26th.
The body of their younger brother Johnny (59) was recovered from the nearby river Funshion a few hours later.
Post-mortem examinations were conducted on the men at Cork University Hospital by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster. The results not released for operational reasons.
However, it is understood that Willie and Paddy died of injuries consistent with an assault via an axe.
The men suffered shock and haemorrhage associated with trauma from head injuries. Johnny Hennessy died from drowning.
Now the families of the deceased are trying to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Horrific tragedy
Elaine Hennessy, daughter of Paddy, told the Cork Today Show on C103 FM that the family is still in shock over what occurred.
In an interview with Patricia Messinger she said that they are supporting each other the best they can following the horrific tragedy that changed their lives overnight.
Elaine along with local mental health advocate and campaigner Carmel O'Gorman and other members of the Hennessy family are holding a sleep-out at dawn on Saturday, May 1st.
Ms O'Gorman said they plan to sleep out to see the dawn break and watch the sunrise in memory of those lost to mental health.
They also hope to raise funds for Cork Mental Health Foundation which assist in funding low cost counselling for people in difficulty.
Elaine and the other members of the group will light lanterns at 5.30 am in memory of those who lost their lives to mental health issues.
Elaine feels talking about what has happened and highlighting the issues may help another person or family.
“I have four children, and I am trying my best to be strong for them. And to teach the kids no matter what happens in life to keep going and to hope better days are ahead.
"There are going to be sad days, but I am really determined for their mental health to show that you have to keep going in life no matter what happens.”
