Nearly 80% of Male Deaths in Ireland Linked to Suicide in 2022

New statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal that nearly 80% of male deaths in Ireland in 2022 resulted from suicide. The data indicates a slight improvement, with 49 fewer male suicides compared to 2018. The figures highlight a troubling trend, particularly among individuals aged between 40 and 44, who comprised a significant portion of these deaths.

Over a five-year span from 2018 to 2022, the year 2020 recorded the highest number of female suicides, totaling 142. The average number of suicides annually during this period was 526. Despite these statistics, there are concerns regarding the accuracy of the data due to delays in death registrations. Seán O’Connor, a Statistician in the Life Events and Demography section of the CSO, noted that some deaths may not be registered within the 22-month timeframe set for the CSO’s Vital Statistics Annual Reports. This lag can significantly affect the accuracy of suicide statistics, particularly for external causes.

The 2022 Annual Report, published on October 31, 2024, initially reported 436 suicides, but the updated figures show the actual number stands at 500. Of these deaths, over 70% involved individuals aged 35 years and older. Males accounted for a striking 77.8% of all suicide cases, with females making up the remainder.

Among the younger population, 74 male deaths were recorded in the 20 to 24 age group, with 35.1% attributed to suicide, marking it as the highest proportion for that cohort. For females, nearly 18% of deaths in the 25 to 29 age group were due to suicide. However, the highest absolute numbers of suicides occurred in the 40 to 44 age group, with 44 males and 19 females.

The statistics also indicate that individuals aged 65 years and older accounted for 14.6% of all suicide deaths in 2022, an increase from 12.5% in 2021. Males within the 40 to 44 age demographic represented 8.8% of all suicide deaths, the highest proportion by cohort. In total, 111 female deaths due to suicide were recorded, with the same age group accounting for the largest share.

Throughout the five-year period, suicide deaths represented 1.6% of all deaths in Ireland. The local authority of Cavan exhibited the highest share of suicides, while Kilkenny had the lowest.

If you or someone you know is affected by this information, support for mental health is readily available. Individuals can contact Samaritans at Freephone 116 123, text HELLO to 50808, or reach out to Pieta at any time, day or night.