Boy dies after choking on carrot sticks at creche

THE little boy who is believed to have choked to death in a creche would have celebrated his second birthday next Monday.

Cian Heneghan’s parents and family were being comforted in Galway last night after rushing home from a short break in Amsterdam after being informed of the tragedy.

The little toddler died on Wednesday afternoon after apparently choking while eating carrot sticks at a creche in the south Galway village of Ballinderreen.

Gardaí in Gort said they are treating the death of the little boy as “a tragic accident”.

He was rushed to University Hospital Galway about 20km away but efforts to save him were unsuccessful.

The little boy had been cared for by his extended family while his parents were away.

It is believed that the toddler was eating carrot sticks when he developed complications, and was given emergency assistance by the creche staff.

The community creche in Ballinderreen village remained closed yesterday. A black ribbon hung on the gate as a mark of sympathy.

Ballinderreen parish priest, Fr Anthony Minniter, said the community was heartbroken over the death of the little toddler.

“We are all shocked and devastated. To lose a family member is terrible and to lose a child is just heartbreaking,” said Fr Minniter, who added that the boy’s parents had married there three years ago and were well-known and popular in the local community.

A statement was issued on behalf of Ballinderreen Community Creche where the tragedy happened.

“A little boy aged two became ill on Wednesday afternoon and was rushed to hospital. Despite medical intervention, tragically the little boy lost his life. The creche staff, directors and the management committee offer their condolences to the parents, grandparents and family of the little boy, and their thoughts are with them at this time,” said the statement. The creche cares for 60 children.