Watergrasshill comes to standstill for funeral of six-year-old Matthew Healy
The coffin of Matthew James Healy is carried to the Church of the Immaculate Conception for requiem mass in Watergrasshill, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
The sight of a little white coffin brought Watergrasshill to a standstill, with locals stepping out from their homes and businesses in a touching display for six-year-old Matthew Healy.
His family had taken the same route to the Church of the Immaculate Conception several years ago for the then infant’s christening.
This time, however, they were on a very different journey as they shouldered his coffin through the street past the local Centra and café.
The air was thick with grief as everyone struggled to make sense of a devastating tragedy that saw little Matthew found unresponsive in a car last Friday.
Ruth Purcell Healy appeared in court in Waterford last Tuesday, charged with her son's murder.
The 37-year-old, of Bishop's Field, Williamstown Road, Waterford was remanded in custody at Limerick prison.
One passer-by, who had been unaware of the service, abandoned their shopping to join the guard of honour lining the street.
Locals openly wept-their cries made all the more audible by absent traffic. Gardaí temporarily closed the route in advance of the funeral service allowing for a dignified and safe passage to the funeral mass.
Meanwhile, Matthew’s Lego cars, jellies, arts and crafts materials and cycling helmet seemed out of place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. They, along with a wallet and dreamcatcher, were among the offertory gifts symbolising aspects of his life.
Senior figures including Gardaí fought back tears as the tragic scenes proved too much for many.
Father Christy Fitzgerald led the funeral mass.
“We are where no one wants to be today,” he told the congregation.
“Though springtime beckons, and the daffodils are above ground, Matthew’s death leaves us all encircled by pain, sadness and overwhelming grief.
"We seek light to give us hope, to point us in a better direction, to lift some of the burden that grief brings and though for some, faith may be severely challenged and tested at this time, it is to the Lord we look for that light and hope today.”
He praised the efforts of the community to support Matthew’s family.
“We do what we do best at this time. As a community we come together to offer support, share our condolences and prayers. We pray for Matthew’s parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and extended family.
"We are very mindful of Matthew’s classmates from senior infants in Faithlegg National School, his teammates in Park Rangers under sevens. We journey with you all in faith, in hope and love.”
He acknowledged the unwavering compassion being shown towards Matthew’s family.
“We gather with a variety of thoughts and emotions, but above all we come together as a community here and from Waterford.
"I welcome Father Liam Power, Waterford, who is concelebrating with us to pray for Matthew and his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, class and teammates, praying that Matthew is at rest in the peace of God’s presence with all our loved ones who have gone before us.”
His father James described the fun-loving little boy in a tear-inducing eulogy.
A congregation heard how strangers would stop him on the street when Matthew was a baby.
"It is only when you experience this kind of love that you realise how incredibly overwhelming it is. I loved him so much and I knew straight away that I had an extraordinary little man on my hands."
He said Matthew was a beautiful child in every way with "striking blue eyes, blond curly hair, a gorgeous smile and the most infectious laugh".
"He was pure joy. I couldn’t count the number of times I was stopped on the street by people commenting on how beautiful he was. Matthew was a very affectionate child. He was full of divilment and a bit of craic. He just loved a bit of fun.”
James spoke about his son’s infectious nature.
“In his very short six years and nearly nine months on this earth, Matthew made an immense impact.
"He was a very confident and articulate little man who made friends everywhere he went. If he didn’t know anyone when he got there they’d all know him by the time he was leaving, just like his grandad.”
He extended his gratitude to friends and family for their help and support in recent days saying it had been a "true testament to humanity".
"I will be forever in your debt," he added.
He also thanked frontline emergency workers who did all they could to save Matthew.
“Matthew and myself were like two peas in a pod. My sister often referred to us as the dream team. At the weekend we did everything together, whether it was at home playing Lego or Donkey Kong. We made the best use of our time together."
He said Matthew loved music and described how they would "have the radio in the jeep up to the last wherever we went".
"We are all utterly heartbroken, but it was a privilege to have known and loved such a wonderful little lad. Matthew, it has been the greatest honour of my life and an absolute pleasure to be your dad. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you chief.”
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