CALL FOR ADDICTION CENTRE AFTER DEATH OF BROTHERS

The deaths of two Limerick brothers have led to a call for the setting up
of an alcohol and drug addiction centre in the city.

A public meeting was held at the weekend after the recent deaths of Mr
Geoffrey Roche (25) and Mr Alan Roche (22), from Prospect, within a week.
They took their own lives due to alcohol-related problems.

The meeting heard that the Limerick actor Richard Harris had pledged his
support for a campaign after he heard of the circumstances in which the
brothers died. The campaigners are to seek support from politicians and are
appealing for a benefactor to provide a site.

Father Joe Young, of Southill, who officiated at the funerals, said
yesterday: "They were the most harrowing and painful experiences to date in
my life."

He said alcohol and drug-taking among young people was at an all-time high,
and a lot of them were looking for help, "but they have nowhere to turn and
are caught up in the web of addiction".

He said there was an urgent need for treatment for young people,
particularly those under 16.

Mr Tommy Roche (29), a brother of the two deceased, said: "I hope that the
powers that be can see the pain my family is going through and not let it
happen to another family. I believe my brothers were crying out for help."