A CO TYRONE priest has made a heartfelt appeal to young people to stay away from drugs at a special Mass to pray for the recovery of a critically ill teenager.
The community of Pomeroy came together in a public show of support for the family of Sean Lagan (19), who is in intensive care in Craigavon Area Hospital after taking cocaine and prescription tablets.
Parish priest Fr David Moore expressed alarm about the availability of drugs in the village and urged young people to seek support instead of lining the pockets of dealers.
“Think of Sean – he is lying in intensive care and we can only hope he pulls through and has some quality of life.
Sadly the severity of his organ failure could possibly leave lasting damage,” he said.
“No matter what happens in life, there is nothing that cannot be sorted out. “Turn to your parents for help and extra support.
If the euphoria of drugs is needed as a quick fix, then the problem will still be there when the euphoria is gone.”
A packed Mass in the village heard the emotional appeal to young people to stay away from illegal substances as prayers were said for the teenager's recovery.
Sean Lagan remains in Craigavon Area Hospital after collapsing from the effects of taking cocaine and prescription drugs before Christmas.
It is understood that in the days following the special Mass last week, he woke in intensive care and spoke to family members but remains in a critical condition.
Pomeroy parish priest Fr David Moore told the congregration, which filled every available space in the Church of the Assumption, that he was touched at how the community pulls together in times of trouble and sickness.
He also praised the Lagan family for allowing him to highlight the issue of drugs.
"Drugs only cause heartache and these have been heart-wrenching days for Sean's parents Maeve and John because at this stage all we can do is watch, hope and pray."
Fr Moore said the teenager knew what he was doing when he bought and used cocaine, but the powerful effects made him take other medication.
And in a direct appeal to the large number of young people at the Mass, he warned of the "awful danger" surrounding them.
"Think of Sean - he is lying in intensive care and we can only hope he pulls through and has some quality of life. Sadly the severity of his organ failure could possibly leave lasting damage," he said.
"No matter what happens in life, there is nothing that cannot be sorted out.
"Turn to your parents for help and extra support. If the euphoria of drugs is needed as a quick fix, then the problem will still be there when the euphoria is gone."
Fr Moore said while it was not known who sold Sean the drugs, he "did not go to Cork to get them".
"This is Pomeroy killing Pomeroy," he said.
"Drug dealers only exist because people are going to them. These shameful people don't care about you. You will never have a friend in a drug dealer - they are only interested in your money."
He said the community must continue to be vigilant, pray and talk about the issue "in the knowledge that there can be assistance, support and care for every problem".
"Addictions can be healed but let us sincerely pray to God that Sean is not going to be a victim of the drug culture of this area."
