Mourners remember ‘treasured’ Matthew as Bishop says ‘All we can do is pray...’
PRAYERS have been said at Masses throughout the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore for the six-year-old boy who died in an incident near Dunmore East.
Matthew Healy, who was from Ballygunner in Co. Waterford, died i n the early hours of Friday morning.
His body was found unresponsive in a car shortly after midnight at Rathmoylan Cove, a secluded area of the coast, a few miles from Dunmore East.
A woman in her 30s was arrested by gardaí close to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised.
Gardaí have not yet released the results of a postmortem examination on little Matthew’s body, and a Garda spokesman confirmed last night the investigation is continuing.
They are understood to be awaiting the results of toxicology tests, with preliminary findings indicating he did not drown.
The woman was not medically fit for questioning at the time of her arrest. She was deemed in need of medical and psychiatric support and taken to hospital.
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, who led a prayer vigil at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in
Waterford on Saturday night, offered prayers for the grieving family and the wider community affected by what he described as a ‘heartbreaking loss’.
He said all members of the community – many of whom braved the wind and rain to join the vigil – should join in solidarity and support during this difficult time.
‘The loss of a young life is a profound tragedy that deeply affects us all,’ he told mourners.
‘As a community, it is important for us to come together in prayer and reflection to offer comfort and strength to the family and friends of the young boy who has left us too soon,’ the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore added.
‘We pray that our prayers will in some way touch the hearts of all who mourn this night. That they may receive peace and consolation and strength. I hope and pray that it is a comfort to all of the family and all of you here to gather and pray because I think that is the best thing to do.
‘We think of all of those tragedies which we have lived through in our country of late. And we turn to the Lord together.’
The vigil was attended by around 200 people, and further prayers were offered at masses in the diocese on Saturday night and yesterday. Meanwhile, as children return to school this morning, a psychologist from the National
Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) i s assisting principal Kieran O’Sullivan and staff at Faithlegg National School.
Matthew was in senior infants in the school, which has 200 boys and girls. In a statement yesterday, Education Minister Norma Foley said: ‘I’d like to extend my very sincere sympathy to the family of Matthew Healy and the wider community of Waterford, and, of course, the school community.
‘I know Matthew was a muchloved and treasured member of the school community and will be greatly, greatly missed by his fellow pupils, by the staff, board of management and everyone within the school community.
‘I’d like to confirm too that our NEPS psychologists are engaging with the school and will be available to provide whatever support is required at this very sad and difficult time.’
A statement on behalf of principal Kieran O’Sullivan and staff said that Matthew was a beloved member of t he school and described the little boy’s death as a terrible tragedy.
Matthew was also a member of the local Park Rangers soccer club, where he was a popular member of the under- sevens squad. All games and activities at the club were postponed over the weekend. ‘He will be sadly missed by team-mates and coaches,’ said a heartbroken club spokesman. ‘Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time.’ Sources said the woman who was arrested had called a 999 operator, saying: ‘I think I have done something…’ She was given a phone by a homeowner near the scene, who said she was distraught when she knocked on the door. Frantic efforts were made to save Matthew’s life, but paramedics were unable to revive him.
‘Profound tragedy deeply affects us all’ ‘I think I have done something’