Education Minister Norma Foley has shared her sympathy with the family of Matthew Healy, who died on Friday. 

The boy was found unresponsive in a car near Rathmoylan Cove outside Dunmore East shortly after midnight on February 9th. 

A woman in her late 30s was arrested at the scene and is being held at a Garda station in Waterford. 

In a statement this afternoon, Ms Foley said she would like to “extend my very sincere sympathy to the family of Matthew Healy and the wider community of Waterford, and of course the school community”. 

“I know Matthew was a much loved and treasured member of the school community and will be greatly greatly missed by his fellow pupils, by the staff, board of management and everyone within the school community,” she said. 

Ms Foley also confirmed the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologists are engaging with the school and “will be available to provide whatever support is required at this very sad and difficult time”.

Vigil for Matthew Healy

A vigil was held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity yesterday evening for Matthew, organised by Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan. 

Irish Independent Southern Correspondent Ralph Riegel said it was a “very emotional event”.  

“He organised it because he said that the entire community was left deeply shocked by the tragic events of Friday,” he said.  

“Hundreds attended the cathedral in Waterford.”  

Bishop Cullinan told the gathered crowd the family of Matthew was in everyone’s prayers. 

Matthew was a member of Park Rangers AFC, which shared its condolences online.   

“It is with great sadness that we learned about the tragic passing of one of our players this week,” the statement said.   

“Matthew was a member of our under-seven squad and will be sadly missed by his teammates and coaches.”