In the gentle hills of County Wicklow, 8-year-old Matthew Breen passed away peacefully at Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin on November 24, 2025, surrounded by his heartbroken family. The bright and loving second-class pupil from a local national school suffered unexpected medical complications following a playground arm fracture.
Matthew attended a small national school in east Wicklow, where he was known for his infectious laugh and love of reading adventure books. Teachers described him as a kind helper who always shared his crayons and cheered classmates during PE. His short school life was filled with curiosity and joy.
He shared a warm family home with his parents and younger sister, where evenings revolved around Lego builds and bedtime stories read in funny voices. He adored weekend trips to the local playground and visits to grandparents for homemade apple tarts. These simple family moments were the centre of his happy world.
Matthew lived the carefree life of an eight-year-old, starting days with cereal and cartoons before the school bus, then racing friends at break time. He collected Pokémon cards, played GAA with the under-8s, and dreamed of becoming a firefighter. His hobbies reflected a boundless imagination and endless energy.
The accident occurred during a normal school break when Matthew fell and fractured his arm. Despite immediate care and surgery, rare complications arose, leading to his peaceful passing surrounded by love. Crumlin Children’s Hospital staff provided extraordinary support to the family.
County Wicklow honours Matthew with ribbons on school gates and a growing memorial of toys at the playground. His family prepares a private funeral while the school plans a special remembrance assembly. The community wraps the Breens in support, forever holding Matthew’s bright light in their hearts.