Ruth Purcell Healy: Mother appears in court charged with murder of six-year-old son
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A woman has appeared in court in Ireland charged with the murder of her six-year-old son.
Ruth Purcell Healy, from Waterford, is accused of killing Matthew Healy in the village of Rathmoylan on 8 or 9 February.
The 37-year-old was remanded in custody at Limerick prison when she appeared at Waterford District Court on Tuesday evening.
Matthew was found by police in a car near a seaside cove in the early hours of Friday following a search by police.
He was taken to University Hospital Waterford where, despite the efforts of doctors to stabilise him, he was pronounced dead shortly at 2am.
Detectives are continuing their investigation into the death, a Garda spokesperson said.
Tributes have been paid to Matthew, who played for local football side Park Rangers AFC in Faithlegg.
A spokesperson for 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 under-7s. He will be sadly missed by teammates and coaches. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time.”
Garda vehicles near the scene. Pic: PA
A vigil was held for him at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Saturday evening.
His funeral is due to take place today.
