Baby boy dies in south Galway

The parents of a two-year-old boy who died in hospital yesterday after apparently choking on food at a creche are due to arrive home to south Galway today.

The couple were away on a short break when they were contacted about the incident, which occurred when their son was at his crèche in Ballinderreen yesterday afternoon.

It is understood that the toddler was eating a vegetable snack when he developed complications, and was given emergency assistance by the crèche staff. An ambulance was called and the boy was rushed to University Hospital Galway, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.

Gardai took statements, but the Health Service Executive (HSE) West has declined to comment further. It is understood that the incident is being treated as a freak accident. The boy’s name was not being released today until all relatives had been contacted.

The community crèche remained closed today, but issued a statement.

"At Ballinderreen childcare centre, a little boy aged two became ill on Wednesday afternoon and was rushed to hospital. Despite medical intervention, tragically the little boy lost his life," the statement said. "The crèche staff, directors and the management committee offer their condolences to the parents, grandparents and family of the little boy, and their thoughts are with them at this time”.