Parents tell of loss after baby’s creche death

THE parents of a toddler who died of sudden infant death syndrome at a Limerick creche have spoken of their devastation at the loss of their “precious son”.

The toddler, Patrick Michael O’Loughlin, was just 21 months old and was attending the Little Treasures creche in Dooradoyle in Limerick when the death occurred.

Patrick Michael’s parents, Pat and Stephanie O’Loughlin, live near the creche at Greenview Lawn, Glencairn, Dooradoyle.

In a statement issued yesterday, the couple spoke about the 21 months they enjoyed with their only child.

“Today we mourn the entirely sudden passing of our precious son Patrick from sudden infant death syndrome. He was with us for just 21 months but in that time he touched not just our lives but so many others in a lot of ways. As small and young as he was Patrick had a huge heart and was always open, trusting and friendly with everybody he met, family, friends and strangers.”

“He adored his grandfather, aunts and uncles both in Ireland and Germany and loved spending his time in the country with the cows, chickens and dog Toby at his grandparents. Patrick loved going to his creche Little Treasures in Dooradoyle and all the minders and his friends he had there. He will forever be with us,” said the statement.

As it was a sudden death, gardaí were informed.

The HSE were also informed and bereavement counselling has been offered.

A spokesman said: “The creche in question is in good standing and is regularly inspected.”

The baby’s body was brought to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital where a postmortem exam was carried out.

Relatives and neighbours last night called to the O’Loughlin family home where the baby lay in repose.

He will be buried today at Clooney cemetery in Clare following Mass of the Angels at Milford.