THE VILLAGE of Castlebridge was struck by the most heartbreaking tragedy last week when a 19-month-old baby boy sadly passed away in his sleep.
Fiachra McMahon is the only child of popular local couple Elaine and Padraig McMahon.
The death of their precious young son has brought the entire community to a stand still and left many struggling to find words of comfort to offer at this time of tragedy.
The beloved toddler was taking a nap at the Castlebridge childcare centre Wonderwise Montessorri when a staff member found him in a non-responsive state in his cot.
The alarm was immediately raised and an ambulance arrived at the scene to convey the boy to Wexford General Hospital, where attempts were made to resuscitate him.
However, the medical team pronounced the child dead shortly afterwards.
The Health Service Executive conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s untimely death.
A funeral mass took place on Saturday morning at St Ibar’s Church, before he was subsequently laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor described the child’s passing as “a very personal tragedy” and an event, which had had a major impact on the local community.
“As mayor and on behalf of the people of Wexford I would like to express my sincere condolences to Fiachra’s parents,” said Cllr Lawlor.
The politician described the couple as very well known and popular.
Mrs McMahon is a primary school teacher at Barntown National School. Meanwhile, Mr McMahon is a local carpenter and plays in the position of goalkeeper with the Shelmaliers’ senior football team.
Noting the Shelmaliers’ recent success in the senior hurling county final, Cllr Lawlor said: “It was only weeks ago that the village of Castlebridge was celebrating such a high and now it has been plummeted into darkness…such a contrast of emotions for the community.”
He also indicated his support for owners of the crèche, whom he described as a “very well respected” local family.
“It must be an extremely distressing time for them also…I know that they are held in very high regard,” said the mayor.