'Matthew’s death leaves us all encircled by pain': Mourners gather in Cork for funeral of six-year-old
The coffin of Matthew James Healy is shouldered into the Church of the Immaculate Conception for requiem mass in Watergrasshill, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan
Mourners are attending the funeral of six-year-old Matthew Healy which is taking place in Co Cork, days after he died in an incident in Co Waterford.
People lined the streets as his body was brought from his home in Watergrasshill to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Among those who attended the funeral include Matthew’s father, James, grandparents, as well as aunts and uncles.
Matthew was found in a car near a seaside cove in the Rathmoylan area in the early hours of Friday.
Lego cars, jellies, arts and crafts, and Matthew’s cycling helmet were brought to the altar by his uncles and cousins.
Parish priest Father Christy Fitzgerald told mourners: “We are where no one wants to be today.
“We seek light to give us hope, to point us in a better direction, to lift some of the burden that grief brings and though for some, faith may be severely challenged and tested at this time.
“We do what we do best at this time. As a community we come together to offer support, share our condolences and prayers.
“We pray for Matthew’s parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and extended family.
“We are very mindful of Matthew’s classmates from senior infants in Faithlegg National School, his teammates in Park Rangers under-7s.
“May God’s peace touch your broken hearts, may He surround you in His great love and may Matthew rest in his eternal peace.”
His father James wept as he addressed the congregation. He told of his excruciating sorrow at losing his beloved son Matthew.
"Matthew touched the lives of many. He was a popular little boy at school and much loved by family and friends. His tragic passing has had a devastating impact on all who knew and loved him.
"It is an incomprehensible loss to his little school pals, friends and cousins who should not know such grief so young.
"We are all utterly heartbroken but so privileged to have known and loved such a wonderful little lad."
Matthew had a promising future - he was so bright and far beyond his six years. Many thought he was much older than he actually was, particularly when he was so tall.
"I know that he would have grown into a most decent and capable man had he been given the chance. However, now he will be forever six years old."
Matthew's death is an unimaginable tragedy and our hearts will be forever broken. However, we will remember him for who he was and the joy he brought into our lives and we will continue to celebrate his life into the future."
To all of you here today, I implore you all to cherish and enjoy your children - do the things that are stone mad all in the name of fun. You will fondly remember it just as I do know (from Matthew)."
Mr Healy thanked paramedics who responded at the scene last Friday for trying so hard to save the life of his son.
Mr Healy was among the pallbearers who carried the remains of Matthew in a simple white coffin to his funeral mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Watergrasshill.
On Tuesday, Ruth Purcell Healy appeared in court charged with Matthew’s murder.
The 37-year-old, of Bishop’s Field, Williamstown Road, Waterford, appeared at Waterford District Court.
She was charged with the murder of Matthew in Rathmoylan, Co Waterford, on February 8 or 9.
She was remanded in custody at Limerick prison.
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
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