Closeknit community vows to support Anthony’s family

Bunches of flowers were yesterday tied in tribute to the entrance gates of a house in Cork where a “loveable” eight-year-old boy died in tragic circumstances.

Floral tributes to Anthony Ward, including roses and white daisies, were placed there by people who have been numbed since the tragedy unfolded at his picturesque Charleville home on Monday morning.

The body of Anthony, who was due to start a new year at school that day, was discovered in his bedroom at 9.30am. His school clothes were neatly placed nearby.

An autopsy carried out at Cork University Hospital yesterday revealed he died of asphyxiation.

His mother, Diane Ward, 43, was found at the house in Harrison Place in a very distressed state and gardaí decided she should be admitted to CUH for medical attention.

She was arrested yesterday evening in connection with the death of her only child.

For Charleville Community Council chairman Denis Linehan, the death of the youngster was especially traumatic. He revealed that his wife was Diane Ward’s aunt.

“There is total shock everywhere in the community. Prayers are also needed for her [Diane],” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Charleville parish priest Canon Sean Cotter.

He said special prayers were said at two Masses yesterday morning in his church in memory of Anthony.

Fr Cotter revealed that he had also gone to the boy’s house at Harrison Place, on the western side of the town, after his body had been found and had prayed there with members of the child’s family.

“It is hugely distressing for all the family. People can help them by their presence and their support. There is a very closeknit community in Harrison Place and they will support the family.

“Anthony’s mother needs prayers, too. We have all prayed for the entire family, but her need of support is probably greater than anybody else’s at this time.”

It was quiet in Harrison Place yesterday. The press pack which had camped outside the house on Monday had all but disappeared, which was welcomed by some locals.

One man, who didn’t wish to be identified, said he thought television cameras and photographers had been too intrusive, especially as they spent several hours focusing in on Anthony’s father, Mark Ryan, as he sat on a wall outside the house being comforted by relatives and friends.

“There was no need for that,” said the man.

“I understand the media has a job to do, but they could have taken a couple of shots and then left the family in peace.”

Another neighbour, who also wished to remain anonymous, said he hoped Anthony’s mother got “all the help she needs. It’s a terrible tragedy. Thank God I’m not in her shoes.”

A relative of Mr Ryan’s appealed for the family to be let mourn in privacy as he made funeral arrangements for his son.

“We’ve nothing to say. We’re heartbroken,” she said.

Charleville-based county councillor Batt Donegan said the community was in a state of shock and that would last a considerable time.

“The shock is especially evident among mothers with young children. All our prayers have to be with the entire Ward family at this time,” he said.