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Appeal issued to the public after 'child assaulted by man' at sporting event

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 11:21 GMT by Irish Daily Mirror
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Public Appeal Issued After Tragic Loss of Local Child

In a heart‑breaking development that has sent shockwaves through the community, authorities in County Wexford have issued a public appeal following the discovery of a deceased child in a shallow pond on the outskirts of the town of New Ross. The boy, whose name has not yet been released, was identified by the Gardaí as 8‑year‑old James O’Sullivan, a resident of the nearby village of Fennel. His death has prompted a sweeping investigation and a call to anyone with information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The Discovery

James was reported missing by his parents on Thursday, 16 June, after he failed to return home from a Saturday afternoon play session at the local playground. An exhaustive search involving local volunteers, school staff and Gardaí yielded no sign of the child, and the missing person alert was issued in the early hours of Friday. By the time the search had been called off, the boy’s parents had received the devastating call that their son had been found dead in a pond in the adjacent farmland of the townland of Kilmichael, only a few kilometres from the town center.

When the Gardaí first entered the scene, they found the boy’s body lying face down in the water, his small feet half submerged in the muddy bottom. An initial post‑mortem carried out at the hospital confirmed that the cause of death was drowning, although the coroner has advised that foul play could not be ruled out at this stage. The boy’s body was recovered by a team of forensic specialists, and the site was cordoned off to preserve evidence.

Investigation and Public Appeal

Gardaí investigators from the County Wexford and neighbouring units are now conducting a full inquiry into James’ death. In a statement released to the press, Garda Commander Liam McCarthy said: “We are treating this as a very serious case. While the initial evidence points to accidental drowning, we are not ruling out any possibility of human involvement. We urge anyone with information, however small, to come forward. We are here to listen and to investigate.”

The appeal was broadcast across local radio stations, posted on the county’s social media platforms and carried in a number of community notice boards. The Gardaí have specifically asked anyone who may have seen James at the playground on Friday, any witnesses who saw anyone entering or leaving the pond at the time, or anyone who might know why the boy would have been in the water at that hour. Victims’ families were also urged to share their stories as a means of helping the investigators to piece together the final hours of the child’s life.

In addition to the public appeal, the Gardaí have set up a dedicated hotline for tips and have created an online tip‑in portal. The hotline number is 999, while the portal can be accessed via the Garda website at www.garda.ie. The authorities have also requested the public to contact the local Garda station at New Ross (address: 4 Main Street, New Ross, Wexford) if they wish to speak in person.

Community Response

The local community has been left reeling by the news. James was a bright and energetic child, known for his love of nature and his fondness for the nearby river. “He was always out there, running, playing with his friends,” recalled his mother, Eileen O’Sullivan, who spoke to reporters in tears. “We never thought something like this could happen. We just want to know why.”

Friends and teachers have organised a memorial service in James’s honour, scheduled for Saturday, 22 June. The service will be held at St. Catherine’s Church, New Ross, and will feature a procession through the town’s main street. Many residents have already started to leave flowers, photographs, and letters on a small memorial plaque erected outside the church.

The community’s grief is not the only source of concern. The local council has issued an advisory to all residents in the area, advising them to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the pond. A number of local businesses have also stepped up, offering free parking to those attending the memorial service and donating a portion of their proceeds to the family in memory of James.

Broader Context

While each case of child loss is unique, this tragedy echoes a disturbing trend of accidental drownings among children in Ireland. According to recent statistics from the Irish Central Statistics Office, there were 19 accidental drowning deaths among children aged 0‑14 in 2023. Most of these incidents occurred in or near bodies of water, often in rural settings. The Gardaí have emphasised that parents and caregivers must take extra precautions, especially during the warmer months when children are more likely to play in natural water sources.

The incident has also prompted a review of safety measures at local play areas. The Wexford County Council has pledged to conduct a full audit of all playgrounds and recreational water bodies within its jurisdiction, aiming to implement safer fencing, clear signage, and better supervision protocols. The council has requested that parents inform them of any concerns they may have regarding the safety of these facilities.

Final Thoughts

The tragic loss of James O’Sullivan has highlighted the fragility of childhood and the urgent need for vigilant community involvement. The Gardaí’s appeal for information is a testament to their commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing closure to a grieving family. As the investigation unfolds, the community stands united, offering both support to the family and a collective plea for justice and prevention of future tragedies. The coming days will be crucial as authorities sift through evidence, pursue leads, and ultimately strive to answer the most pressing question: why did this innocent child’s life end in such a tragic and preventable manner?