A prayer vigil has taken place for a boy who died following an incident at Rathmoylan in Co Waterford early Friday morning.
Six-year-old Matthew Healy was living in Ballygunner and was a senior infants pupil at Faithlegg National School.
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan called for prayers of peace and consolation for the family at the vigil at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity this evening.
"The loss of a young life is a profound tragedy that deeply affects us all," Bishop Cullinan said.
"As a community, it is important for us to come together in prayer and reflection to offer comfort and strength to the family and friends of the young boy who has left us too soon," he said.
Many of those who attended the prayer vigil said they were doing so to support Matthew Healy's family.
Lorena Lopes, who lives on the Dunmore Road in Waterford, said she was saddened to hear the tragedy had unfolded in Rathmoylan, just a few kilometres away.
"I thought it was really shocking that such a horrible thing happened so close to where I live," Lorena told RTÉ News.
"I couldn't believe it because he was a six-year old boy and he had so much life to live. It was really, really shocking," she added.
Lorena attended the prayer vigil with her friend, Katie Joubert, from Gracedieu in Waterford.
"When I heard about the tragic incident that happened, I thought it was important to come support my community because it happened here," Katie said.
Sr Antoinette Dilworth, who works with the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore and visits primary schools in the area as part of her work, attended the vigil too.
"We all need to come because it reminds us of how vulnerable we are, both adults and children, carers and whatever," she said.
A woman in her 30s arrested in connection with the incident remains in garda custody.
The woman was arrested near the scene and is being detained at a garda station in Co Waterford, where she can be questioned for up to 24 hours.
Medical attention is also being made available to the woman as required while in custody.
Gardaí said the results of a post-mortem examination will determine the course of their investigation.
Earlier, principal of Faithlegg National School Kieran O'Sullivan described Matthew as a beloved member of the school community.
More than 200 boys and girls attend the school.
A statement on behalf of principal Kieran O'Sullivan and staff at the school described Matthew's death as a terrible tragedy.
"We learned on Friday morning of a tragic incident involving a beloved member of our school community," the statement said.
"The gardaí are currently involved. This is a terrible tragedy for the families, our school and our community.
"Our school has implemented its Critical Incident Plan and NEPS (National Educational Psychological Service) psychologists are supporting our school.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved and affected by this tragedy."
Matthew was living in Ballygunner and played soccer with Park Rangers AFC, based in Faithlegg, and was a member of the club's under seven's squad.
A spokesperson for Park Rangers AFC said he enjoyed his time with his teammates and coaches.
"It is with great sadness that we learned about the tragic passing of one of our players this week," Park Rangers said in a statement.
"Matthew was a member of our under seven squad. He will be sadly missed by teammates and coaches.
"Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time."
The club said it would not be adding to the statement, out of respect for Matthew's family.
The Department of Education confirmed the NEPS is currently supporting management and staff at the school.
A NEPS psychologist was present at the school yesterday, advising the school principal and staff on how they could best support pupils there.
In a statement, the Department of Education said: "The National Educational Psychological Service is currently on the ground providing support to staff and the school community at the school."
"When a tragic event happens, NEPS is available to advise and support the teachers and other adults who work daily with students and who know them well.
"NEPS is also available to work with the teachers to identify students who are most in need of support and help develop procedures for reviewing their needs and supporting onward referral, if necessary."
Parish priest for St Joseph and St Benildus, Father Liam Power, said the community was "absolutely shattered" following the incident.
"Prayers will be offered at all the masses this weekend for the family, to assure them, and to ask the Lord to be with them to give them the strength, carry them through this very dark time of grief, loss and pain," he added.
