The identity of a 32-year-old woman, Tegan McGhee, was revealed today as the stepmother responsible for the tragic death of a four-year-old boy, Mason O’Connell Conway. Mr. Justice Paul McDermott sentenced McGhee to life imprisonment for the murder that occurred on March 16, 2021, in Rathbane, Limerick city.
Additionally, the boy’s father, John Paul O’Connell, aged 36, received a seven-year jail term for his involvement in the case. He pleaded guilty to endangerment, neglect, and obstructing justice related to Mason’s death.
Mason was discovered with severe injuries at a residence in Rathbane on March 13, 2021, and succumbed to his injuries three days later. Medical reports indicated signs of deliberate harm on the child’s body, including bruises consistent with physical abuse.
During the trial, it was revealed that Mason had endured weeks of mistreatment and confinement by his stepmother before the fatal incident. McGhee admitted to losing control and causing the fatal injuries after a history of abusive behavior towards the child.
The child’s mother, Elizabeth Conway, shared heartwarming memories of Mason, describing him as a caring, joyful child who brought immense happiness to everyone around him. She recalled his loving nature, including instances where he showed compassion towards others in need.
Conway recounted the heartbreaking moment when she had to make the agonizing decision to switch off her son’s life support, while the perpetrators, O’Connell and McGhee, were given a private moment with Mason. She expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her son to what she described as an act of “pure evil” by someone he trusted.
The judge extended condolences to the grieving mother and family members affected by Mason’s tragic death, emphasizing the profound impact of the senseless loss.