A TRAGIC ACCIDENT; YOUNG LIVES LOST COMMUNITY MOURNS.(News)

Byline: EAVAN MURRAY

THE priest who is comforting the family of tragic Ciara Doherty last night dismissed claims she killed herself after being bullied.

Fr John Forsythe, who was one of the first people at the West Belfast girl's home after she was found dead on Friday, rejected rumours the 11-year-old took her own life after being hounded at school or on the internet.

The family priest, based close to the Mount Eagles estate where the St Louise's Year 8 student died, insisted her death was a "tragic accident".

He told the Daily Mirror: "Ciara was a happy child with wonderful parents who did nothing but the best for her always. She did not understand the reality of what she was doing."

Ciara, who was described as a "happy and smiling child", is believed to have lost her life after a minor argument within the family. She was found in the upstairs bathroom of her home with a cord around her neck.

Fr Forsythe said: "Children that age are full of hormones and anger when they don't get their own way. She absolutely did not intend to die.

"It was just normal family dynamics. It was the kind of thing that happens in every home across Ireland.

"How many young girls say hurtful things to their mums when they are angry? It was an act of misadventure.

"She came from a hard-working, loving family who were excellent parents and loved her dearly. She has a wonderful mummy who set boundaries which all children need." Fr Forsythe slammed speculation on Facebook that Ciara, a student at St Louise's, was being bullied.

He added: "That is amateur CSI wannabes. I know what happened to the child, I was there immediately after she died. The reason everyone is so deeply shocked is because she had no reason to do this. Ciara was a happy child. She had just written on her RE copybook, 'I love my new school and I love all my teachers'. She had lots of friends and a family that loved her."

Fr Forsythe said he believes Facebook is having a negative effect on the lives of young people.

He added: "As far as I can see Facebook is only good for bullying and grooming. A child has 250 friends online and maybe two or three on their road. You have kids going around with mobile phones at the age of 10.

"They should be outside playing with each other. Young girls are trying to grow up too fast. There is too much pressure on kids these days to be grown ups. We need to address that.

"Nobody knows who these kids are talking to when they are online and what influences they come under.

"Families should have the computer in the living room where parents can see what is going on."

Yesterday St Louise's principal Carmel McCartan was described by a staff member yesterday as being "in pieces" and was unable to talk directly to the media.

A statement issued on behalf of the school described Ciara as "a very kind, gifted, intelligent girl who was full of life and extremely popular".

It added: "The death of Ciara has come as a shock to all of us within our school community.

"The suddenness of her death has added to our collective sense of loss.

"We will continue to work closely with our pupils who have been affected by this terrible tragedy and we will provide ongoing support.

"On behalf of the Board of Governors, staff and pupils, I wish to offer our sincere condolences to Ciara's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

Philip McTaggart, from suicide prevention group Pips Programmes, said it was often difficult to identify when children were depressed.

He added: "Young people often don't like to share their feelings openly.

"It can be very hard to pick up signs that they have problems."

Voice of the Mirror: Page 8

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COMFORT Fr John Forsythe MUCH LOVED School picture of Ciara Doherty, and below, pals pay their tribute