ABOUT LA519
LA519 is a non-profit organisation set up on the 30th of March 2021 by Barry Aughey and Deirdre Costello on what should have been their son Luke’s 18th birthday. Sadly their world was turned upside down when they lost Luke to suicide on the 25th of May 2019. He had just turned 16.
This organisation has evolved from the challenges that Barry and Deirdre experienced during their attempts to help Luke get the necessary support he needed. They realised that unfortunately there are still lots of barriers preventing teens and young adults receiving help. Factors include; location, finance, lack of awareness of the supports groups, ease of access and the stigma still unfortunately attached to suicide.
LA519 represents Luke’s initials and the month and year he died. Barry and Deirdre want Luke’s legacy to make a difference and help those that need it. That is why they also want the ‘LA’ in LA519 to stand for ‘Local Action’ meaning that funds raised should go directly into helping the young people living in the area by alleviating the cost of counselling or therapy and by promoting the already existing resources so that those in the locality realise there are many places and people to turn to in time of crisis.
ABOUT LUKE - ‘LIGHT GIVER’
Luke Costello Aughey was born on 30th March 2003. He was a happy smiley child with a great love for animals, particularly hens, sheep and his dog Zena. He was a caring and kind son and brother who excelled at every sport he tried. He finally found his true love which was Gaelic football and played for Emyvale where he made lots of great friends! Luke was not loud or chatty but was great company and had the ability to spark a conversation with people of all ages. He was a highly sensitive boy who cared deeply for everyone around him. He was a great friend and lived life to the full. Friends were everything to him and some of his best times were spent with them. He loved his style and was very fashion conscious. He was a bit of a trend setter. His hair was extremely important to him and was a regular at the local hairdresser’s. He also loved his food and being a keen sportsman, he made sure that he had a healthy diet. He had a particular love for eggs cooked in any way possible! Luke’s name mean’s Giver of Light. Luke was a true light giver to everyone around him but unfortunately on 25th May 2019, his light went out. His pain and suffering were so intense and he had no more light to give.
A true gentleman, a kind son, a caring brother and a loyal friend who lit up so many lives in his short life.
