Family devastated by teen suicide

A campaign to highlight suicide was launched recently

A priest has spoken of a County Down family's heartache at the suicide of their teenage daughter.

Ciara Hanvey died on Thursday night at her home in Ballynahinch.

The 13-year-old was a pupil at St Colman's Secondary School in the town. Children there have been offered counselling following the tragedy.

Canon Gerard McCrory said Ciara's family were absolutely devastated by her death. She was a member of a local Irish dancing club.

"Ciara was the youngest child - she was the only daughter and has three brothers," said Canon McCrory.

"They are in a state of shock. There is quite a large family who have obviously been supportive in this situation.

"The high school in the town has done all it can in laying on counselling for those who might need it."

Canon McCrory said Ciara's school friends had been completely shocked by what had happened.

"Many people have said to me that if this was to happen to someone, Ciara would not have been the person they would have thought of."

Ciara's funeral will take place at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Ballynahinch at 1300 BST on Sunday.