Jannah’s loss is a ‘terrible tragedy’ for the community

“Being your own person was the gift I will hold on to forever.

You were never meant to adapt to a cruel world. You left in your innocence. She told me daily how fake the world was and she didn’t fit in,” wrote a heartbroken mother following the tragic death of her 12-year-old daughter.

Jannah Shahzad, from Brookview, passed away at home on Thursday, April 3. She was a sixth-class pupil at St Thomas SNS in Jobstown and a camogie player with St Marks GAA.

Jannah’s mother Katrina Browne released an emotional statement on Wednesday, April 9.

“How in the world could I have known my child was suffering inside when all she did was smile and joke and dance and sing and play sports with me and try to make us happy.

“Before your child goes to school today, or before they sleep, ask the hard questions, ‘Do you feel suicidal?’, ‘Are you having bad thoughts?’, or even, ‘What can we do to keep today positive?’”

“We are deeply saddened. Jannah will be greatly missed by all who knew her,” wrote St Thomas SNS, while the school was closed on Tuesday, April 8, as a mark of respect for the girl and her family.

The premises were open for a few hours in the morning for parents and friends to sign a book of condolences, with St Thomas’ church also open to light a candle and say a prayer for all those affected.

St Mark’s GAA did a guard of honour for Jannah at her funeral on Tuesday in the Temple in Newlands Cross.

“She was a great team player, really enjoyed the game and was so focused during the matches,” coach Linda McCarthy told The Echo.

“We were all very fond of her and everyone in the team is really, really sad. She will be missed by everyone in the club.”

Dublin Camogie paid a tribute to Jannah with a message on their Facebook page, and they decided to observe a minute of silence before all games played at the weekend.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we inform you of the tragic passing of one of St Marks U14’s players, Jannah Shahzad,” they wrote.

“On behalf of all in Dublin Camogie, we offer our sincere condolences on the tragic passing of Jannah. Our thoughts are with all of Jannah’s family and all her teammates in St Marks.

“Jannah will also be remembered at our national congress this weekend.”

Jannah’s death has “shocked and saddened the community, especially her classmates, friends and teachers in Jobstown,” wrote the local parish in a message shared online.

“Please keep the Shahzad family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this very difficult time.”

In the death notice shared on RIP.ie, Jannah is described as the “loving and devoted daughter to Katrina and Mohammad and adored sister of Kelly, Gerard, Daniyal and Ahmed.”

Jannah “will be forever loved and very sadly missed by her heartbroken family, extended family especially in Pakistan, teachers and many friends in St Thomas, the wider community of Brookview and neighbours.”

A fundraiser was set up to support the family after the sudden loss, to “allow them to grieve with less financial strain and get Jannah a headstone which she deserves.”

“This is something that no parent should ever experience, and to happen to someone so young has caused unspeakable pain,” read the fundraiser, which collected over €6,100 so far.

Following Jannah’s passing, St Thomas SNS implemented their Critical Incident Management Plan and had psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service advise teachers and staff on how to assist pupils.

The school will be open to parents to support them and offer guidance.

As Katrina’s statement reads, Jannah “knew how loved she was, but in a moment of weakness she felt alone. I’ll try to find the memories when she was sad, and I won’t because she hid it well.”

Katrina encouraged everyone to check on other people and especially their children. “We think they are small but with pressures and social media they are forced to become adults before their time.

“But if one thing comes from my baby’s life, it’s that hard questions become normal.

‘That we are not afraid to speak openly, that we accept that kids are facing so much pressure to be perfect by social media standards.”

Talking to Jannah one last time, she concluded, “Being your own person was the gift I will hold on to forever. You were never meant to adapt to a cruel world. You left in your innocence.”

If you have been affected by this story the following supports can be contacted: HOPE can be contacted via phone on 089 610 5476, or by messaging the HOPE Suicide Prevention Centre Tallaght Facebook page, NINA for Life, visit the NINA for Life Suicide Awareness Facebook page and Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.