Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 22784Death (animal attack) · Co. Waterford · 6 Jun 2021

Inquest into death of baby Mia O'Connell killed by dog in Waterford

The inquest into the death of baby Mia O'Connell, who was killed by a family dog in Clashmore, County Waterford, on 6 June 2021, heard evidence from family members and a pathologist. Cork Coroner Philip Comyn recorded a verdict of misadventure and urged dog owners with young children to exercise extreme caution.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court20 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMia O'Connell was born on 22 February 2021 to Ella Wood and her partner Rhys O'Connell. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMia was premature, weighed 4lbs 9 oz, and remained in hospital for over two weeks after birth. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe dog involved was a family rescue dog named Red, a terrier Dachshund cross. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe dog was found standing over the baby who was lying on the bedroom floor with blood all over its mouth. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe grandmother Noreen performed CPR on Mia at the property. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMia was transported by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where she died hours after the attack. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe dog had previously tried to snap at Mia when she came home from hospital. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe dog was kept outside the house and slept in a kennel in an alley by the side of the property. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe dog had been re-homed by the grandfather Barry and had previously refused to hunt for its former owner. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe dog involved in the incident has been destroyed. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatElla Wood, the mother, was too upset to attend the inquest. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe couple had lived with Noreen and her husband Barry for two-and-a-half years before the incident. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred at a house in Saint Mochua's Terrace, Clashmore, Waterford. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 6 June 2021. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenGardaí and paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after 1am. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeMia died of a traumatic brain injury with haemorrhage and shock from scalp lacerations consistent with an animal attack, with fractures to her skull. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationSgt Thomas Gahan led the investigation into the death. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtCork Coroner Philip Comyn recorded a verdict of misadventure. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe Coroner urged dog owners with young children to exercise extreme caution and vigilance. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe family of a baby girl killed by a dog said their hearts are forever broken (extra.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Jan2023
    In courtirishmirror.ie, its first report
    Family of baby killed by dog in Waterford: "Our hearts are broken"

    Inquest held at Cork Coroner's Court. Verdict of misadventure recorded. The dog, a terrier Dachshund cross named Red, has been destroyed. The Coroner noted an opportunity was missed as the dog was unhappy around the baby.

    victim, Mia O'Connell, female, irish (judged from name)Mia O'Connell
  2. 19 Jan2023
    Otherextra.ie, first report
    Family Of Baby Girl Killed By Dog Say Hearts Are 'Forever Broken'

    Family statement expressing grief over the death of their baby girl.

    victim, female