Matthew Breen died after taking ill days after breaking his arm in two places.
Matthew was the son of Ciara, Callum and Eden, loving brother of Tyler, Olivia, Amelia and Oliver, and the adored grandson of Anne (née Murphy) and the late William (Billy) Breen.
Matthew had been attending St Joseph’s National School in Arklow before the family recently relocated to Rathnew, and speaking at his funeral mass on Friday, principal Corrina Bailey said his departure “left a space at St Joseph’s that could never be filled”.
On Thursday, November 6, Matthew broke his arm in two places and was transferred to hospital by ambulance. He was sent home that same day and arrangements were made for him to attend Crumlin Hospital on Friday, November 7, for surgery.
The late Matthew Breen, aged 8 years.
News in 90 Seconds – 21 November 2025
He became unwell while in hospital and was given tablets and steroids, but continued vomiting. He was provided with a second dose of steroids and was having difficulty breathing, but he was discharged from the hospital, and was due to attend an appointment in Tallaght Hospital to see a lung doctor on Tuesday, November 11. However, on the evening of Monday, November 12, Matthew’s condition deteriorated rapidly and he was having difficulty in catching his breath.
He stopped breathing and was treated by local first responders before being transported to Crumlin Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma on life support. Matthew sadly passed away on Monday, November 17, with his devastated family by his bedside.
The funeral service was concelebrated by Fr Michael Murphy of Avoca Parish and Fr Gerry Deegan of Wicklow Parish. St Joseph’s NS principal Corrina Bailey spoke of the undeniable mark Matthew had left on the school community during his time attending the school.
“As principal of St Joseph’s I have the privilege of seeing our pupils grow and learn and bringing their unique light to the school. Earlier this year when Matthew moved to St Patrick’s NS in Wicklow Parish he left a space at St Joseph’s that could never filled.”
She recalled Matthew as a wonderful pupil whose bright smile could light up a room. He took great joy performing at the Arklow Music Festival and was always an eager participant in school outings to the panto and local farms.
The late Matthew Breen aged 8.
“I remember the card games which Matthew always made sure was played by the rules. He had a real sense of fairness,” added Ms Bailey.
Matthew returned to St. Joseph’s Church in May of this year for his first communion with his former classmates.
“It was really special to welcome Matthew back to St Joseph’s for his communion with all his pals. He loved all the fuss made and everyone saying how great he looked and how much he had grown. He was so proud and we were so proud of him as well,” said Ms Bailey.
She added: “Matthew was a great listener in class and just loved school, loved his friends and loved his teachers.”
He was delighted when he was made a line-leader at St Joseph’s which “meant he got to greet everyone on the corridor with a big friendly hello”.
Matthew was also a wonderful older brother and took his younger brother Tyler under his wing when he began starting school at St Joseph’s.
“He walked Tyler to class every morning announcing that he was looking after Tyler so he wouldn’t get lost.”
His mother Ciara had also attended the school in her youth, along with her brothers and sisters.
“It’s is like we have lost a member of our family,” said Ms Bailey. “We know the school community stands behind you.
“His memory, that light of day, will shine on in our school. His spirit will continue to guide us and bring Matthew’s story. Rest in peace dear Matthew. You will always be in our hearts.”
Friends and family members also brought a series of gifts up to the altar representing the things that Matthew loved most in life. They included a ‘Matthew our Hero’ t-shirt worn by all of his school pals.
Fr Murphy said a family photo was one of the other funeral gifts because “family was so important to Matthew”, while a toy was also brought to the altar because “playing with al the family and friends was so important to Matthew”.
Another of the funeral pics included a photograph of his youngest brother Oliver, as “Matthew was delighted with the fact that he had a new brother.”
Other gifts included a Liverpool jersey and a football.
A family member also took to the altar to read out a poem dedicated to Matthew’s memory.
My sweet little boy,
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
A part of me went with you,
The day God called you home.
A million times I’ve thought of you.
A million times I’ve cried,
If loving you could have saved you,
You would have never died.
Forgive me Lord, I’ll always weep,
For my son I loved so much,
But yet I could not keep.