The mother of two teenage sisters who took their own lives has officially launched legal proceedings against school authorities.
The late Erin and Shannon Gallagher
Tragic Lorraine Gallagher is suing Donegal Vocational Education Committee following the death of her daughter Erin, 13.
Erin took her life in October last year amidst claims that she was being bullied at school and online.
Erin was a secondary school pupil at Finn Valley College in Stranorlar.
Her older sister Shannon, 15, also took her life just a few weeks later saying she could not go on without Erin.
Lorraine has now launched legal proceedings against Donegal Vocational Education Committee (now Donegal Education Training Board).
Ms Gallagher, 37, is claiming damages for mental distress pursuant to the civil liabilities act.
Her legal team claims the school failed in its duty of care to provide a “controlled, monitored, safe, supervised working environment” for Erin.
The family’s solicitor Patsy Gallagher confirmed that he has now served legal papers on the Donegal ETB.
It is also understood that further proceedings are being prepared to be served on another local authority.
“The necessary papers have been served on their legal representatives,” confirmed Mr Gallagher.
Meanwhile Ms Gallagher is preparing to mark the first anniversary of the death of her eldest daughter Shannon later this month.
In October Lorraine marked the first anniversary of her youngest daughter Erin.
Lorraine said she knows she has to continue living and fighting for the memory of her two daughters.
“The two girls loved their only brother Sean James and now he has a new brother Lennon.
“The girls would have loved the two little boys and watching them growing up.
“My doctor told me that I cannot live for the dead but I can live for the living and that’s what I intend to do for my boys.
“I know nothing I can do can ever bring back Erin and Shannon but I will never forget them and I know they would want me to give Sean James and Lennon the best lives I can,” she said.
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