Thousands of people came together throughout Ireland at the weekend to remember their loved ones who had died by suicide.

The Christmas Celebration of Light event was organised by the suicide prevention and bereavement charity, Console. At least 475 people lost their lives to suicide in Ireland last year, although the real figure is thought to be much higher.

According to Console founder and CEO, Paul Kelly, while the loss of a loved one is always devastating, a loss through suicide ‘can be so much harder for the families and friends left behind'.

"Christmas can be an especially hard time and our Christmas Celebrations of Light provide families and friends with a gentle and understanding environment to celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

"People throughout Ireland find that these special services give families and friends the opportunity to come together in solidarity to honour the lives of their loved ones, with the lighting of candles showing that their memory is very much alive," Mr Kelly explained.

The event, which included the lighting of candles, music, poetry and reflections, took place at seven locations around the country - Maynooth, Galway, Mayo, Tipperary, Limerick, Cork and Wexford.

Speaking at the Maynooth event, Geraldine Kennedy from Dunboyne, whose son Gary took his own life in 2011, described it as ‘such a special occasion'.

"This is our Christmas celebration with our loved one, a chance to spend dedicated time with like-minded people who have the same grief and understanding as ourselves," she said.

Console has a 24-hour helpline (1800 247 247) and offers counseling services to people in crisis and those affected by suicide. For more information, click here