'DRUGS GOT IN THE WAY' SAID MAN'S SUICIDE NOTE

'DRUGS got in the way' read a note a drug addict left for his parents and
family before he hanged himself. The body of 25-year-old John Gavin Birdy,
Lurgans, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan was found in the Dundalk guesthouse
room he paid for before his death.

Dundalk Coroners Court heard from his father, Cathal Birdy, that his son
had been off drugs for a year but had been back on them for six weeks
before his death.

Gda Colm Dempsey found a suicide note in the guesthouse room which he read
into the court record: "Mom & Dad, I know this is me being selfish again
but I don't want this life on me or on yous and I have no control over it
thats how strong it really is. I know I could last a while longer but it is
only prolonging the pain and trouble with it I really do love yous family
and I know this is best for us all so, until we meet again in a much more
beautiful world Ill say my goodbyes for now. I am sorry, Gerry, Dermot,
Golm, Brian. I love you boys and I am sorry drugs got in the way.''

SYRINGE

Gda Dempsey found a syringe and needle and a spoon with traces of heroin.
The court heard the dead man had IEP28,000 from a personal injuries claim.
Mr Birdy said: "When he went back on the drugs he didn't want to cause us
any pain.''

Louth Coroner Ronan Maguire described the note as heartbreaking.

PROBLEMS

He told the family: "It is obvious he loved you to a great degree and
almost did what he did out of love. He had problems and to some degree he
defeated them and it seems to be out of despair because the drugs got the
better of him that this happened.''

Verdict: death due to hanging according to medical evidence.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)