Parents of Cork fireplace death boy: "His loss leaves a huge void"

On the day they buried their 5-year-old son, the Cork couple whose little boy died after a fireplace fell on him have said “it will be a long time, if ever, before we come to terms with what has happened”.

The tragedy took place at the family home on the outskirts of Cork City.

Little Fionn Dawson was buried yesterday at St Joseph’s Church, Springhill, in a private ceremony that the media was requested not to attend.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, his heartbroken parents Cormac and Anita said: “Fionn was a typical 5-year-old, up to all sorts.

“He loved charging around outside and jumping as high as gravity would allow on his trampoline.

“He had just tried out with the local GAA club and really loved his computer games. You couldn’t put down your iPhone within his reach, as it was bound to disappear. Most of all he loved cuddling up with us, playing with his little brother and sister, his cousins, and was doted on by his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

“His loss leaves a huge void in our lives which will be with us forever.”

Emergency services rushed to the home at Coolgreen, White’s Cross, shortly before 2pm on Tuesday. Fionn was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where, despite intense medical efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Dawsons, who have a son, Elliot, and daughter, Mary Kate, thanked the emergency services and expressed their “deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the love, kindness and thoughtful gestures that we have received over the past few days from our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues”.