"Forever six years old" - Matthew Healy's funeral held in Co Cork

The funeral for Matthew Healy, the six-year-old boy who was found dead in Dunmore East, Co Waterford on Friday, February 9, was held today, February 14, in Co Cork.

Hundreds of people turned out to mourn the child during the requiem Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Watergrasshill, Co Cork. 

The Irish Times reports that Matthew's father James delivered a heartwrenching eulogy to the packed church on Wednesday: “Matthew and myself were like two peas in a pod – he was my little lad, my buddy and my chief – my sister often referred to us as ‘the dream team.'"

James continued: “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 him and loved him – it is an incomprehensible loss to his little school pals and cousins who should not know such grief so young – we are 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 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 need not to remember this – 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 kids – do the things that are stone mad all in the name of fun, you will fondly remember it just as I do now.

“Finally, Matthew, it has been the greatest honor of my life and an absolute pleasure to be your dad and I am so sorry I couldn’t save you, Chief - I love you."

The funeral mass was set to be followed by a private service in The Island Crematorium Ringaskiddy.

Gardaí in Waterford said on Friday that they were investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of the six-year-old boy whose body was found in a car at Dunmore East, Co Waterford shortly after midnight on Friday.

A woman in her late 30s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Co Waterford.

The body of the deceased was removed to Waterford University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Two vigils have been held for Matthew Healy since his tragic death - one on Saturday at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford City and another last night at the Church of St Nicholas in Faithlegg, Co Waterford, close to Faithlegg National School where the child was a pupil.

On Tuesday, the day before the funeral, Gardaí confirmed they had charged the woman who had been arrested at the scene on Friday.

Ruth Purcell Healy, 37, of Bishop's Field, Williamstown Road, Waterford, was charged on February 13 with the murder of her son Matthew Healy on February 8 or 9 at Rathmoylan in Co Waterford, RTÉ News reported.

Judge Kevin Staunton remanded the woman into custody until next Tuesday and ordered that she be psychiatrically evaluated.