Legacy of late Kildare woman remembered in the Seanad
The late Maxine Maguire died by suicide on February 7, 2017at the age of 25
A Senator paid tribute to the legacy of a late County Kildare woman who died by suicide while speaking in the Seanad.
Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin spoke about the late Maxine Maguire, a Newbridge woman who died by suicide back in February of 2017, while in attendance at the Seanad on Thursday, May 21 last.
Maxine was 25 years old when she died.
The Newbridge-based politician had previously paid tribute to the late Maxine Maguire —back in 2022, she emphasised the importance of early intervention and mental health treatment while referencing Maxine’s story
And last week, Senator O’Loughlin spoke about the late Newbridge woman once again.
Senator O’Loughlin explained that she had a background in teaching and had taught Maxine when she was in primary school.
“Maxine was a lovely, bubbly, and beautiful young woman who was deeply loved by her family and friends,” she added.
Senator O’Loughlin continued: “For some time, Maxine had been struggling with her mental health; on December 2, 2016, when things became overwhelming, she made the brave decision to reach out for help and support.
“Alongside members of her family, Maxine arrived at a hospital where she had previously received treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts.
“She arrived frightened and vulnerable, placing her trust in the professionals and in a place, she believed was safe.”
However, Senator O’Loughlin said that, after she summoned e’very ounce of courage to seek help’, Maxine was turned away and sent home.
“Tragically, not long afterwards, Maxine died by suicide,” she explained.
DEVASTATING AFTERMATH
Senator O’Loughlin also noted how, for the past nine years, Maxine’s death has haunted her family and friends: “Her parents Robbie and Kathy, her two brothers and her many friends have carried the pain of that loss while seeking accountability and answers.
“Last week, nine years on, the Health Service Executive (HSE) finally admitted that mistakes were made and confirmed that a public apology will now be issued to Maxine’s family.
“I hope this apology prevents anything like this from happening again, and the pain endured by Maxine and her loved ones will not be felt by another family.”
Senator O’Loughlin further said: “Maxine mattered; her life mattered and her death mattered also.
“We need to ensure that the proper protocols are in place so something like this does not happen again.”
She concluded: “The hope is that Maxine’s family and friends, while always carrying her memory with them, can finally lay her to rest.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116 123 ) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).
In addition, you can also visit https://www.aware.ie/.