Gardai in Dublin are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after the bodies of a father and his young son were discovered at two separate locations on Thursday morning.
Bodies Found Miles Apart
Wayne O'Reilly, 48, was found deceased in a shed in the Cherry Orchard area of Ballyfermot at approximately 8.30am. In follow-up enquiries, officers later discovered the body of his 12-year-old son, Oisin, at a domestic residence in the Clondalkin area, roughly three miles away.
The scene was described as deeply distressing, with the body of the young boy, known to carry a red Manchester United schoolbag, removed from the Clondalkin property at around 3.20pm in front of shocked onlookers.
Previous Missing Persons Report
The tragedy comes just months after the same father and son were the subject of a nationwide missing persons alert. They were reported missing to Gardaí on October 17 last year, prompting significant concern, before both were located safe and well days later.
On that previous occasion, police stated the pair's family were "concerned for their well-being," raising inevitable questions about whether more could have been done to prevent this week's devastating outcome.
A close friend of Wayne O'Reilly, visibly upset at the scene, told reporters: "We are all shocked and devastated by what has happened. I last spoke to him about two weeks ago. He was in good form. He absolutely doted on [the little boy]."
Community in Shock and Grief
The friend described Mr O'Reilly as a skilled mechanic who ran a car sales business, but suggested his mental health had deteriorated in recent years, with reports of addiction issues also surfacing. "He was very popular and none of his friends saw this coming at all. Everyone is shocked," the friend added.
The local community in both Ballyfermot and Clondalkin has been left reeling. Sinn Féin councillor for Ballyfermot, Daithí Doolan, said: "This is deeply distressing news. The whole community is in shock. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased."
Clondalkin councillor Francis Timmons echoed the sentiment, stating: "Bawnogue and the wider Clondalkin community are in shock and disbelief to learn of two tragic deaths. My heart and thoughts go out to the families and friends devastated by such an appalling loss." He also extended his thoughts to Oisin's school friends, who are "in shock and upset by their school friend's death."
It is understood that the father and son had been living in a room of a house belonging to other family members prior to their deaths. Gardaí have informed the boy's mother of the tragedy.
Police Investigation Underway
In an official statement, Gardaí confirmed both scenes have been preserved for forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The Coroner has been notified and the services of the Office of the State Pathologist have been requested.
Post-mortem examinations will be arranged, the results of which will be crucial in determining the exact course of the investigation. Gardai have stated they are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths.
The close-knit communities of Ballyfermot and Clondalkin now face a long and painful journey, with local representatives pledging support for the grieving family in the difficult days ahead.
