Caoilte’s Vigil

From top: Caoilte O Broin, who was found in the River Liffey on January 2, after going missing on December 29, 2015; and smiling face masks

You may recall the death of Caoilte O Broin.

Caoilte suffered from mental health problems and drank heavily, meaning he had what is termed ‘dual diagnosis‘, something most mental health services in Ireland will not treat.

Tomorrow night Caoilte’s family and friends will hold a silent candlelit vigil outside Leinster House on Kildare Street, Dublin, at 7pm.

They will distribute smiling face masks to represent how people tend to hide their mental health illnesses.

Previously: An Avoidable Death

Caoilte’s Dual Diagnosis

Pics: Cat O Broin

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7 thoughts on “Caoilte’s Vigil”

h February 10, 2016 at 1:53 pm

I hope it goes well, I would go if I was in Ireland.

ahyeah February 10, 2016 at 2:07 pm

RIP Caoilte

Annie February 10, 2016 at 3:18 pm

I really hope the Luas strike doesn’t harm this vigil. Easy enough for me to get there but I’m sure a large number will be hampered by the lack of trams. Do we bring our own candles?

AL4N February 10, 2016 at 3:37 pm

*prepares self for terrifying pictures tomorrow*

Hope it goes well though. Very sad story.

Davey T February 10, 2016 at 4:18 pm

RIP Caoilte – I have been lucky to have been treated for my dual diagnosis (depression/anxiety, drink/gambling) but it can be a constant battle. Unfortunately, society wants to look at one or the other when targeting treatment despite the fact that many of those with mental health problems “self medicate” with alcohol, drugs, behavioural addictions etc. More diversification of mental health services is needed in Ireland, no doubt. Through my interaction with fellow addicts and mental health patients, I have come to realise that they really do go hand in hand. Jesus, we can bicker and fight about water charges, economic crises etc, but its all a bit of a pointless exercise if we cant at least make an effort to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens.
I am not anti drink, nor anti any drug (legal or illegal) for that matter, but burying our collective heads in the sand whilst the horrible impacts they can have on society carry on through the generations is not something to be proud of.
We have, in recent years, progressed so much as a society when it comes to mental health. But I still feel that we will continue to fight a losing battle unless we look at issues in a broader sense. It is not enough for Caoiltes family or the many thousands to say “why didnt (he) talk to someone” when the recurrent tale is that the talk usually lands on deaf ears.