A fire which claimed two lives at a house in Co Offally was “designed to kill” the inhabitants, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said.
Four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his grandaunt Mary Holt, aged 60, both died tragically after the house they were in was set ablaze in Castleview Park about 7.45pm on Saturday night. Another woman, aged in her 50s, is being treated in hospital for her injuries.
A murder investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co. Offaly on Saturday evening.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he was aware that one line of inquiry is that the attack was carried out by an organised criminal gang involved in the drugs trade in the Midlands.
If that is the case, Mr O’Callaghan said: “it just confirms that drugs are destroying societies and people who get involved in drugs need to know that they will wreak devastation, not just on themselves, but on those close to them and families in the area.”
“I want to condemn in the strongest possible terms the appalling attack on a family in their home in Edenderry on Saturday night,” the Minister told the national broadcaster.
“When you look at those deaths and when you look at the visible damage to the property, what this shows that this was an attack that was designed to kill the inhabitants.”
Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan said today that a “shockwave of grief and disbelief” has ripped through Edenderry and Offaly.”
Deputy Nolan said there is “a widespread sense of numbness and disbelief” following confirmation from Gardaí that they are now treating the deaths of Mary Holt and Tadhg Farrell as murder.
She said that her thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by “the barbaric and senseless attack,” including the woman who is in hospital receiving treatment.
“This brutal and savage attack on an innocent child and the two unfortunate women has caused genuine devastation throughout Edenderry and Offaly,” the TD said.
“We can only hope that the Gardaí bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice as soon as possible. They have our full support in that difficult task.”
“That innocent small child should be alive today, thinking about Santa and enjoying Christmas. Instead, a monster decided to treat his life and everyone around him with callous indifference. Our hearts are broken for them all”
Superintendent Liam Geraghty said Gardai believe the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown at this time and that the fire was deliberately started.
He said it was a “reckless, callous and murderous attack on a family home.”
Gardaí in Offaly are appealing for any person with any information to speak with investigating Gardaí.
The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.