WE HAD not intended to make any statement on Seb’s death further to that given by Nuala on the occasion of the funeral; however, interviews and comments over the preceding months, which culminated after the inquest into the death of Shane Clancy, requires this, our only response on the matter.
Everything that took place in our home on the 16th of August last was known before the day was out. All the inquests have done is brought torment to the families concerned and sadly provided a platform to air an assumption as to the only motivation of Shane Clancy. This took place in a forum which would not allow for any questioning or challenging of that assumption, despite the expressed concerns of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland.
Let us not forget what happened here: Seb was stalked by a person who, having manoeuvred his way into our home, left, armed himself and then returned some time later to complete his objective. By playing on Seb’s better nature he once again gained access to the house, killed Seb, attempted to kill Jen and then Dylan before withdrawing to kill himself.
We cannot comprehend that an attempt was made to ascribe fault to prescribed medication without any corresponding attempt being made to consider all other factors. Healing for all parties will . . . be difficult, but no true healing can ever be founded on denial.
We would like to believe that this, the inquest into Seb’s death, permits us to draw a line under the proceedings. The greatest assistance to bringing closure would be to never again open a newspaper to see images of Seb, Jen or our home. For us being “surprised” by the images, laden with memories, serves only to open wounds. To all of you who in the aftermath of this tragedy wrote to us, sent cards, had Masses offered, prayed, lit candles, held a space in meditation, kept us in your thoughts, gave of your time and talents and attended the services we felt, and still feel, that we are being held in a sacred space and remain eternally grateful.
Much as we might yearn to, we cannot change what has happened. We can only control how we respond. We have been given the courage to face and deal with this, the strangest and most inexplicable experience. Our true education began with Seb’s departure from this earth.