Locals 'in shock and disbelief' over tragic death of six-year-old boy

Gardaí made desperate efforts to save the life of a six-year-old boy, after emergency services rushed to the scene of an ‘unimaginable tragedy’ in a seaside area of Co. Waterford in the early hours of Friday.

A woman in her late 30s remained in Garda custody on Friday night for questioning in relation to the child’s death, after he was found in the back seat of a car at around 12.30am. A murder investigation is now expected to be launched following the boy’s death in hospital.

The picturesque seaside area of Dunmore East in Waterford has been left reeling by the death of the young boy, with Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan saying he ‘has left us too soon’ and with his family left with a ‘heartbreaking loss’ and in ‘unimaginable pain’.

Garda close to the scene in the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East, Co Waterford, where police are investigating the death of a six-year-old boy. Pic: PA Wire

The child lived in Waterford city and attended Faithlegg National School, where his young classmates will be offered counselling in the wake of the tragedy.

The discovery was made down a narrow laneway adjacent to Rathmoylan Cove Beach, three kilometres outside Dunmore East, not long after midnight. A source said officers immediately ran to the vehicle and discovered the child unresponsive in the back seat.

As paramedics rushed to the scene, the responding gardaí desperately tried to resuscitate him. When the ambulance arrived, the child was transported to Waterford Regional Hospital where further attempts were made to save his life. He was pronounced dead shortly after 2am.

Roadblock near the scene in Waterford where Gardai are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a young boy aged six. Pic: Rollingnews.ie

The woman, aged 38, was arrested at the scene and detained at Waterford Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, which allows for a period of detention for 24 hours though this can be extended. However, due to concerns for her welfare, she is receiving psychiatric support. Medical experts will inform detectives when the woman is fit enough to be interviewed. An autopsy will determine the cause of death and determine the course of the Garda investigation.

Sinn Féin councillor Jim Griffin, who knows the family of the child, said that he was awoken early on Friday morning by emergency services looking for advice on the local area. He told the Irish Daily Mail the family of the child are successful business owners in Waterford city, are active in the community and are held in high regard locally.

Mr Griffin said what is normally a tranquil spot of Rathmoylan Cove became by a scene of chaos and disbelief. He said: ‘The little village Ballymacaw and Rathmoylan, they’re in total shock now, and they are in complete disbelief that something like this could have happened. They’re finding it hard to come to terms with, what we know is such a tranquil spot, that this has happened because Rathmoylan is well-known as a kind of 365[-day], all-year-round sea swimming cove. It’s secluded but it’s a safe place.’

An officer walks towards a Garda car parked close to the scene in the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East, Co Waterford. Pic: PA Wire

In a statement, Faithlegg National School said its young pupils are being supported by trained counsellors. ‘We learned this morning of a tragic incident involving a member of our school community,’ it said. ‘The gardaí are currently involved. This is a terrible tragedy for the family, our school and our community. Our school has implemented the critical incident plan and NEPS [National Educational Psychological Service] psychologists are supporting our school.’

Local priest Fr Richard O’Halloran told the Mail that the Dunmore East community is ‘greatly distressed’ by the boy’s death. ‘The news has been greeted by tremendous sadness, particularly on this side of the parish because we only just had a funeral of a young child who tragically died in the UK,’ he said. He added: ‘It’s very sad and our hearts just pour out to the child’s family and friends.’

Residents close to the scene in Rathmoylan also spoke of their shock. One woman said: ‘I heard what happened on the radio this morning and couldn’t believe that something so awful happened just up the road. I immediately made some inquiries but none of us are aware of the identity of this child or woman. I’m just shocked and feel very sorry for their family.’

Meanwhile, a prayer vigil will be held this evening at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford city to remember the young boy. The vigil, which is starting at 7pm, will also offer prayers for the grieving family and the wider community affected by ‘this heartbreaking loss’.