Sinead O'Connor says son tragically planned his funeral month before taking own life: 'I've failed my child'

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By Nika Shakhnazarova

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Sinead O'Connor has shared the tragic revelation that her son was planning his own funeral before taking his own life.

The 'Nothing Compares 2 U' hitmaker revealed at the weekend that her son Shane had tragically died at the age of 17.

After threatening a hospital with a lawsuit, the singer, 55, took to Twitter to take aim at those who were in charge of his care.

O'Connor promised Tusla "a storm is coming" and said the only contact she had received from the agency was from the media office trying to "avoid negative publicity".

She went on to declare that "suicide will not bring you peace" and said "the next poor well-meaning sod who says to me about my son 'at least he is at peace now' is going to get their lights punched out".

In a series of scathing tweets, she wrote: "A month ago Shane was brought to CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services] after vanishing leaving suicide notes including detailed funeral plans. They discharged him. Said he had no plans."

"When objections were raised by the adult with him she was told 'planning a funeral is no different to planning a wedding.' That was the CAMHS psychiatrist. Welcome to Ireland. Where weddings are funerals and funerals are weddings. Apparently.

"If I may venture … I've been married more times than Zsa Zsa Ga-f**king-bor and I’m here to tell CAMHS that planning my child's funeral is nothing remotely similar to planning his wedding. Which will now never happen. Because you’re unfit for purpose."

She went on: "My child has now been dead on Tusla’s watch for over 48 hours and the only contact I have had from anyone representing Tusla was yesterday from their media office, concerned for themselves over the negative publicity.

"Message to Tusla, a storm is coming that you haven’t rehearsed for. Kids are dying in your care every day. Now my kid is one of them. Big mistake.

"A message for teens considering the dumb a** option my son felt forced into choosing, I have seen many deceased folks in my life. My son is the only one who did not look at peace. Suicide will not bring you peace. It is a lie.

"Therefore the next poor well-meaning sod who says to me about my son “at least he is at peace now” is going to get their lights punched out. How does anyone knows he’s at peace? I can tell you his face was as tormented as it’s been for months. No difference at all."

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Credit: James Jeffrey Taylor / Alamy

"FYI please don't imagine I am less than keenly aware I failed my child, alongside Tusla and the HSE and the Irish State. And alongside others in his life who shall forever remain publicly nameless. We all know who we are. We all failed him. Welcome to Ireland," she added.

Sinead, who changed her name to Shuhada Davitt in 2018, told at the weekend how her son had tragically taken his own life after a struggle with his mental health.

She tweeted on Saturday: "My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God.

"May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby. I love you so much. Please be at peace."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
Featured image credit: Nick Wright / Alamy