‘We are lost’ – Murder-suicide victim Oisin Reddin was ‘failed’ by Tusla, family member says

The family member, who asked not to be named, said it appeared in recent times as though Wayne had distanced himself from his own child

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Wayne O’Reilly (48) and his son, Oisin Reddin (12)(Image: An Garda Síochána)

Murdered child Oisin Reddin was “failed” by Tusla, a devastated family member has claimed.

Tragic Oisin (12), who had just started in Scoil Talbot Senior National School in Bawnogue, was found dead in a house in Lindisfarne Grove, Clondalkin, west Dublin on Thursday.

The discovery was made after gardai had first discovered the body of his Dad Wayne (48) at a property in nearby Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot at around 8.30am. Gardai believe that Wayne killed Oisin by asphyxiation before taking his own life in a shed or outhouse of the other property.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror yesterday, a distraught family member of young Oisin told of his “bright” nature and how they felt that Tusla – the Child and Family Agency, had failed the little boy. “Tusla failed him. They both went missing before and that was a red flag,” the family member said.

The family member said there is much anger over the fact that Wayne had been suffering from mental health difficulties and that Tusla – which had been engaged with the family, had not been more involved.

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Gardai the scene in Lindisfarne Grove, Clondalkin(Image: Collins Photo Agency)

It comes as we can also reveal that gardai had a number of interactions with Mr O’Reilly in relation to domestic issues back in 2024 and 2025 – prior to when he and Oisin briefly went missing in October of last year. We have also learned that the suspected killer was facing a minor drugs charge and court appearance in March.

Speaking yesterday, the family member, who asked not to be named, said it appeared in recent times as though Wayne had distanced himself from his own child.

“Wayne met another girl and had a baby with her and it was a new relationship. I feel he wanted to push Oisin away,” they added.

Speaking about the little boy, the family member told how he had recently started in Talbot Senior National School – and that he had suffered much difficulty in his life – including a rare illness.

“He was only new to the school. He was born with a rare type of epilepsy,” they said.

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Gardaí continue their investigations into Oisin’s death and the death of his father, whose remains were discovered at a separate location in Ballyfermot (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin)

Paying tribute to him, they added: “He was such a bright little fella and would do anything for you. He palled around with my daughter and he was so kind towards her.

“It’s so shocking what has happened to him. We’re all lost.”

Asked to comment on the family member’s claims that it failed Oisin, Tusla declined to go beyond a prepared statement that it released on Thursday.

“We will keep you informed if or when a new statement is issued,” a spokesperson stated, before referring to the earlier statement which acknowledged that the Agency knew of the family.

“The death of a child is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family, all those who knew him, and the local community at this difficult time,” the statement reads.

“This young boy was not in the care of the state, however he and his family were known to Tusla. We continue to engage with An Garda Síochána as they conduct their investigation, and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

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Gardai and Garda Technical Bureau at the scene Lindisfarne Grove, Clondalkin(Image: Collins Photo Agency )

Scoil Talbot SNS declined to comment when contacted and referred this paper to the Department of Education. The Department has stated that teams from the National Educational and Psychological services were on the ground on Thursday supporting staff and the school community, and that the work would continue on Friday.

Post-mortems on the remains of both males have been completed, though Gardai are not releasing the results for operational reasons.

Fresh flowers were laid at the scene in Lindisfarne Grove on Friday as the community begins to try and come to terms with the horrendous tragedy.

It comes as a pal of the late Mr O’Reilly told the Irish Mirror that he was shocked by what had happened – and revealed how the father had been struggling in recent times with his mental health. “He was a good friend. I have known him for more than 20 years. 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).”

He also said the father was a talented mechanic and also sold cars. And he told us that the father’s mental health had gone downhill in recent years. He added: “He was very popular and none of his friends saw this coming at all. Everyone is shocked. Nobody can believe what happened.”

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Floral tributes to young Oisín O’Reilly pictured this morning outside the house on Lealand Road, Clondalkin (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin)

Local Clondalkin-based Councillor Francis Timmons spoke of the devastation within the community – and how young friends of the child were struggling to deal with his loss. “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. The whole community joins in grief of such unexpected loss. My thoughts are also with the child’s school friends who are in shock and upset by their school friend’s death,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ballyfermot-based Councillor Daithi Doolan stated on social media: “Heartbreaking news from Clondalkin and Cherry Orchard. This is so very sad. Deepest sympathy to the family and friends. You are in our thoughts at this tragic time.”

Gardai believe the child was killed in violent circumstances by his father and it’s understood the incident is being treated as a murder-suicide – and officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to it.

In a statement, gardai said they that “the investigation continues to be carried out under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.

“Family Liaison Officers continue to liaise with the families of both Oísin Reddin and Wayne O’Reilly.

“An Garda Síochána are appealing to any person who may have any information in relation to these deaths to contact the Garda Investigation Team at Clondalkin Garda Station at 01-6667600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or at any Garda station.”