PREPARING FOR LAST FAREWELL
Funeral tomorrow for tragic 6-yr-old Matthew
THE heartbroken family of Matthew Purcell-healy have announced his funeral is to take place tomorrow as gardai continue to investigate his tragic death.
The six-year-old, who attended Faithlegg National School, was found unresponsive in the back seat of a car which was parked at a lane way at Rathmoylan Cove outside Dunmore East, Co Waterford, on Friday.
A woman in her 30s was arrested at the scene.
She was said to be in a distressed state when she was detained.
The suspect was in her nightclothes and told officers about the boy in the car.
Medical assistance was given to her over the weekend.
It is hoped gardai can begin questioning the woman shortly. Matthew’s funeral arrangements have now been announced on RIP.IE.
His death notice said: “Matthew James Healy died on February 9 unexpectedly, aged six years.
“Sadly missed by his heartbroken dad James, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends. Fly with the angels.” Matthew will repose at his home in Watergrasshill this evening from 5pm to 8pm while Requiem Mass will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Watergrasshill, Co Cork, on Wednesday at 2pm. A private service in The Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy will take place afterwards. Matthew’s family is requesting family flowers only but donations, if desired, can be made to Make A Wish Foundation.
Meanwhile, around 200 people attended a vigil at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Barrowstrand Street in Waterford city on Saturday where Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, had invited people to join in “solidarity and support during this difficult time”.
He said Matthew’s death had “touched everyone” and remarked on conversations he had with various parents and grandparents who have been impacted by the news.
Members of the emergency services were in attendance along with a number of local political representatives.
During the ceremony, Bishop Cullinan prayed that “peace would descend on all in attendance and all of
Matthew’s family”. He expressed his hope that the prayers from all in attendance would “touch the hearts of all who mourn”.
Kieran O’sullivan, the principal of Faithlegg National School in Cheekpoint, Co Waterford, where Matthew was a pupil, issued a statement to RTE where he described the death as a tragedy.
He said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved and affected by this tragedy.” In a statement to Irish Examiner, Matthew’s father James expressed deep gratitude to the public for attending vigils over the weekend in memory of his son.
He also appealed for privacy for the family to mourn.
Solidarity & support during this difficult time
ALPHONSUS CULLINAN BISHOP, DURING VIGIL