Watch: The funeral of Matthew Healy takes place in Cork

“We are where no one wants to be today.” So began Fr Christy Fitzgerald, at the funeral of 6-year-old, Matthew Healy, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Watergrasshill, Co Cork.

Family, friends, school mates and people from both the Waterford and Cork communities gathered in the small church on a misty afternoon on Wednesday, February 14.

Fr Liam Power, from Waterford was at the altar to assist Fr Fitzgerald, sporting a faint mark of Ash Wednesday on his forehead.

It was a further cruel irony that Matthew’s funeral took place not only on a day to mark reflection and repentance, but also on Valentines Day, a day to celebrate love.

Walking down the street to the church, shop fronts had little flower bouquets and red hearts at their entrances.

Inside the church, there were packets of tissues on the table facing the main entrance.

poster As the ceremony continued, people shook with sobs, holding on to each other for support.

One of Matthew’s uncles movingly spoke about the mementos present: Lego cars, jellies, arts and crafts, and Matthew’s cycling helmet.

“The arts and crafts, some of it were made in school for his dad,” he told the mourners.

He touched on Matthew’s love of baking with his aunty, and that the family were ‘subjected to some mad concoctions’ but they always ate his offerings with “no hesitation” and “no criticism”.

“Matthew was such an outgoing child and he loved the outdoors, he loved cycling,” he said, as his helmet was raised up on the altar.

The late Matthew Healy 

Fr Fitzgerald welcomed everyone to the service:

Fr Fitzgerald went on highlight the importance of community in times of grief: “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 7’s.” The funeral of Matthew Healy at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Watergrasshill, Co Cork Towards the end of the ceremony, Matthew’s father, James Healy, addressed the congregation and said: “First of all, I would like to thank everyone for coming today. I’d like to thank the Guards, first responders, paramedics and medical personnel at University Hospital Waterford who looked after Matthew in the early hours of Friday morning. I appreciate everything you all did and trying to save my poor little man’s life.” Mr Healy also thanked the community: 

“I want to thank my community, family and friends, the work and support that have been given to me and my family over the last week is a true testament to humanity and I will be forever in your debt.” In a very moving tribute, Mr Healy spoke about the overwhelming emotion he felt when Matthew was born, comparing it to being “hit by a train”.

“I knew straight away I had an extraordinary little man in my arms,” he said.

“Matthew was a beautiful child in every way,” he added.

“He had striking blue eyes, blonde curly hair, a gorgeous smile and the most infectious laugh; He was pure joy.” Mr Healy said he couldn’t count the number of times he was stopped on the street, by complete strangers, who commented on how beautiful his son was.

He spoke about his funny, fun loving child who loved to crack jokes. They had recently taken up learning the drums together, setting up a big set and small set.

“Matthew was a very affectionate child but he was full of devilment and a bit of craic right, from the word go,” said his heartbroken dad.

“In his so very short six years and nearly 9 months on this earth, Matthew made an immense impact,” he added.

“He was a very confident and articulate little man who made friends everywhere he went.” Mr Healy spoke of how he and his son were “like two peas in a pod”.

“He was my little lad, my buddy and my chief,” he said.

“My sister referred to us a the ‘dream team’,” he added.

“At the weekend we did everything together, whether it was at home building things on the playdough or playing Donkey Kong , or on the go, cycling swimming or exploring mountains or having fun with his cousins, who he loved so, so much.” Mr Healy said he knew his son would have grown “into a most decent, capable man, had he been given the chance”.

“However, now, he will forever be 6-years-old,” he said.

“We will remember him for who he was and the joy he brought into our lives and we will continue to celebrate his life into the future,” added Mr Healy.

“To all of you here today, I implore you all to cherish and enjoy your kids. Do the things that are stone mad, all in the name of fun. You will fondly remember it, just a I do now.” Mr Healy ended his eulogy with a heartfelt expression of love: “Finally, Matthew, it has been the greatest honour of my life and an absolute pleasure to be your dad, and I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, chief.”