Community Reels After Father and Son Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide
The close-knit communities of Clondalkin and Ballyfermot in West Dublin are grappling with profound grief and shock after the bodies of a father and his young son were discovered in a suspected murder-suicide. Wayne O'Reilly, 48, and his 11-year-old son, Oisin O'Reilly, were found deceased at two separate properties on the morning of Thursday, 8th January 2026.
A Grim Sequence of Discoveries
Gardai and emergency services were first called to a domestic residence in Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, at approximately 8:30am. There, they discovered the body of Wayne O'Reilly in a shed at the rear of a property. It is suspected he died by suicide.
During follow-up enquiries, officers were directed to a home just 15 minutes away in Lindisfarne Grove, Clondalkin. Tragically, they found the body of young Oisin. Preliminary indications suggest the child died from asphyxiation. The Garda Technical Bureau sealed off both scenes for detailed forensic examination.
The body of the adult male was removed to the city morgue, while the child's body remained at the scene pending further investigation. The State Pathologist has been notified, and post-mortem examinations will be crucial in determining the exact course of events.
A Father Who 'Absolutely Doted' on His Son
Friends and neighbours have expressed utter devastation. A close friend of Wayne O'Reilly, speaking anonymously to the Irish Mirror at the Ballyfermot scene, described him as a skilled mechanic who ran a car sales business. "He was a good friend. I have known him for more than 20 years," the friend said, visibly distressed. "We are all shocked and devastated... He absolutely doted on the little boy."
The friend revealed that Wayne's mental health had declined in recent years, but insisted "none of his friends saw this coming at all." The pair had been reported missing in October of the previous year, sparking a nationwide alert before they were found safe.
A Community United in Grief
Local representatives have voiced the collective sorrow of the area. Clondalkin Councillor Francis Timmons stated: "Bawnogue and the wider Clondalkin community are in shock and disbelief... My thoughts are also with the child's school friends who are in shock and upset."
Ballyfermot Councillor Daithi Doolan expressed his sympathy on social media, calling the news "heartbreaking" and offering deepest sympathy to the family and friends. The young boy's body was removed from the Clondalkin house at around 3:20pm, witnessed by heartbroken neighbours.
Gardai are investigating all circumstances surrounding the deaths. The incident is currently being treated as a murder-suicide, and officers are not seeking anyone else in connection with it. The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer.
