Gardaí investigate death of baby boy in Wexford crèche

Gardaí are investigating the sudden death of a 19-month-old baby boy who died in a crèche in Castlebridge, Co Wexford on Tuesday afternoon.

Fiachra McMahon was discovered in an unresponsive state by a member of staff at the Wonderwise Montessori in Castlebridge outside Wexford town on Tuesday afternoon.

Staff at the crèche raised the alarm and administered CPR until an ambulance arrived at the scene.

Fiachra was taken to Wexford General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Wonderwise Montessori is expected to remain closed for a week following the child’s death.

Mayor of Wexford George Lawlor has described Fiachra’s parents, Pádraig and Elaine McMahon, as very well known in the local Wexford community.

Pádraig McMahon is a local carpenter who is well known in the local Shelmaliers GAA club and Elaine McMahon is a primary school teacher in the nearby Barntown National School.

"A cloud of sadness and grief is hanging over the usually vibrant community of Castlebridge as they come to terms with this tragic death," Cllr Lawlor told The Irish Times.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pádraig and Elaine at this terrible time. I have no doubt the community will rally around the family as they try to come to terms with this tragedy.”

Cllr Lawlor added the Wonderwise Montessori was run by “well-known and well respected” people.

A recorded message on the crèche answering machine said that “due to unforeseen circumstances, Wonderwise will remain closed for the coming week”.

Gardaí are assisting the coroner with the investigation into the boy’s death which is being treated as a tragic incident.