'Murderous' firebomb house attack update as killers will be 'hunted down'
Mary Holt, 60 and little four year-old, Tadgh Farrell.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has issued an uncompromising warning after the murderous attack that claimed the lives of four-year-old Tadgh Farrell and his grandaunt, Mary Holt (60) declaring the 'dangerous and violent criminals' responsible will be 'pursued relentlessly by gardai.'The Minister also said the horror attack, which was described by gardai on Sunday as a "reckless, callous and murderous attack" was "an attack designed to kill the inhabitants," and vowed the State will be directed toward bringing those responsible to justice.This comes as a nationwide alert has been issued to all Garda divisions in connection with a burnt-out car believed to be linked to the incident.On Sunday, gardai launched a full murder inquiry into the deaths of innocent care worker Mary Holt and her four year old grandnephew Tadgh Farrell following the horror firebomb attack on the home in Castleview Park estate in Edenderry on Saturday evening.The scene of a house fire in Edenderry, Co Offaly(Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)It is suspected that a petrol bomb was thrown through the front sitting room window of the home at around 7.45pm on Saturday evening causing the deaths of Tadgh and Mary and seriously injuring Pauline and causing extensive damage to the property.Sources say one line of enquiry is that those responsible are involved in the drugs trade in the Midlands and targeted the innocent victims, who had no connection to criminal activity, because of their family ties to a convicted drug dealer, in a revenge attack.A second woman, in her 50s, named locally as Pauline Holt and Tadgh's grandmother, who was also in the house at the time of the arson attack, remains in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries.Condemning the horror attack, Minister O'Callaghan said: "When you look at those deaths and look at the physical damage to the property, what this shows this was an attack that was designed to kill the inhabitants."07/12/25 The scene of a house fire in Edenderry, Co Offaly(Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)"I want to extend my condolences to the families and I want the public to know the gardai will relentlessly pursue the violent and dangerous criminals responsible for this murderous attack and they will be brought to justice," Minister O'Callaghan said, speaking to Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One."We are aware from information that one line of enquiry is that this was an attack caused by people involved in the drugs trade. And if that is the case, it shows how dangerous that trade is."And how dangerous it is to innocent people, such as the two innocent people who were killed and the innocent woman who was seriously injured."It just confirms that drugs are destroying societies and people who get involved in drugs need to know it will reach devastation, not just on themselves but on those close to families in the area."He continued: "So it is a shocking attack if it is an attack by individuals involved in the drugs trade."This is something that will be pursued relentlessly by the gardai and the people responsible for this murderous attack will be brought to justice.Reassuring locals in the Edenderry area who are in fear following the horror incident, Minister O'Callaghan said: "Gardai are following a definite line of enquiry.The scene of a house fire in Edenderry, Co Offaly(Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)"I say to them gardai have a very good record in bringing dangerous and violent criminals to justice and I say to them the vast majority people in Ireland are law abiding people and notwithstanding the horrific attack we saw on Saturday night, this type of attack in Ireland is unusual and homicide rates in Ireland are generally low compared to other countries but it is still an attack that must be pursued relentlessly by the gardai."Any individuals who have information in respect to the persons responsible for this heinous attack must bring that information to the attention of the gardai," Minister O'Callaghan said.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
