Woman to be quizzed by gardaí over death of Matthew
Officers awaiting all-clear from medics to go ahead
GARDAÍ were last night awaiting the all-clear from medics to interview a woman in her 30s over the death of six-year-old Matthew Healy.
The woman, who was arrested shortly after the discovery of little Matthew’s body last Friday, was not fit to be interviewed by detectives shortly after her arrest.
She was deemed both physically and psychiatrically unfit to be quizzed by officers.
Matthew was found unresponsive in a car in Rathmoylan Cove, a secluded area of the coast, a few miles from Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. His death notice reads that he is ‘sadly missed by his heartbroken dad James, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family, neighbours and friends.’
His funeral Mass will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Watergrasshill, Co. Cork tomorrow.
Early indications are that Matthew did not drown and gardaí are now pursuing the theory that he might have suffocated.
Sources have stressed that gardaí will be careful not to carry out the interview too quickly due to the state of the woman’s health. One said: ‘It is expected that this case will be upgraded to one of murder. But gardaí are doing things by the book.
‘The woman cannot be interviewed when she’s unfit to do so. They will go through exactly what happened on the day. She was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
‘What this usually means is that gardaí have 24 hours to either release or charge someone.
‘Usually there’s an eight-hour rest period that’s added on as well but 24 hours is the amount of time they can actually interrogate someone. That has not happened in this instance and for good reason. Taking an interview when someone is unfit to be interrogated can be useless to prosecutors as it could be challenged at trial.’
Matthew’s father James has expressed his thanks to the local community near Dunmore East in the wake of his son’s tragic passing. He particularly thanked those who took part in several vigils across the area to remember the child.
Matthew’s body was last night reposing at his home in Watergrasshill, Co. Cork.
Over the weekend, prayers were said at masses throughout the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore for Matthew.
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 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. 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 said.
He told those gathered: ‘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, a psychologist from the National Educational Psychological Service is assisting principal Kieran O’Sullivan and staff at Matthew’s primary school in Faithlegg.
There are 200 boys and girls at the school, where Matthew was a senior infant.
In a statement on Sunday, 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 much loved 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 (National Educational Psychological Service) 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 Mr O’Sullivan and school staff said Matthew was a beloved member of the school community and described his death as a terrible tragedy.
‘Very sad and difficult time’