FUNERAL details have been announced for Matthew Purcell-Healy, who was found dead in a car in Co Waterford in the early hours of Friday morning.
Gardaí are investigating and have arrested a 38-year-old woman who has not yet been formally interviewed.
Matthew’s funeral will take place at noon on Wednesday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Watergrasshill, Co Cork, where his father lives.
Matthew will repose at his father’s home in Watergrasshill, Cork, from 5pm to 8pm today and tomorrow.
A vigil was held in the cathedral in Waterford over the weekend for Matthew, and his dad, James, has released a statement in which he expressed his deep gratitude for those who attended and asking for privacy to grieve.
Matthew’s body was found in a car near a seaside cove in the Rathmoylan area of Waterford.
The little boy lived in Ballygunner on the outskirts of Waterford. He was a senior infants pupil at Faithlegg National School.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley, said: “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.
Matthew played soccer with Park Rangers AFC, based in Faithlegg.
In a social media post, the club said: “It is with great sadness that we learned about the tragic passing of one of our players this week.
“Matthew was a member of our U7 squad and will be sadly missed by his teammates and coaches.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time.”
