Mum’s heartbreaking vow & ‘love you’ tribute to son, 4, killed in Offaly double murder arson as funeral details released

His wake will take place this evening
THE heartbroken mother of a four-year-old killed in a horror petrol bomb attack says he was “the best boy ever with the most innocent, loveable heart”.

Tadhg Farrell and his grandaunt Mary Holt, 60, died after a missile was lit and fired on top of them while they sat in the front room of a home in Edenderry, Co Offaly on Saturday night.

Tadhg – who was being babysat and did not live at the property permanently – tragically lost his life less than a month before his fifth birthday on New Year’s Day, The Irish Sun learned this week.

The boy’s granny Pauline, who was babysitting Tadhg at the time with her sister, remains in hospital with serious burn injuries.

Tadhg’s grieving mum Shannon Farrell has now taken to social media to remember her son, after the family confirmed the young lad will be laid to rest tomorrow.

His funeral mass will be held in St Mary’s Church, Edenderry tomorrow at noon with burial afterwards in St Mary’s cemetery.

In the heartbreaking tribute ahead of tomorrow’s service, Shannon wrote: “I love you son. I promise your mammy is gonna do everything I can.

“You were the best boy ever with the most innocent loveable heart. You’re my only boy and always will. I have no words.”

Devastated Shannon has been comforted by her relatives and friends in recent days.

A wake is taking place for the child this evening in Edenderry before the funeral mass tomorrow.

It comes as the major garda probe into the double murder continues.

On Wednesday, cops released shocking CCTV footage that showed the moment two hooded thugs launched a petrol bomb attack.

The footage captured the yobs entering the garden of a home in Castleview Park.

One smashed the front window with a bar, before the other yob ignited the missile and fired it on top of Tadhg and Mary who were in the front room at the time.

Detectives believe the brute who lit the petrol bomb may have possible burns to his hands, but have yet to identify him.

A source told The Irish Sun: “The footage is absolutely shocking, so sinister and evil.

“Smashing the window first and throwing it in on top of the poor child and his grandaunt – they never stood a chance.”

It was revealed this week, the two responsible for the attack travelled to and from the scene in a Kia car.

The incident – which has left the nation outraged – had taken place less than two hours after a tractor run had begun in Edenderry at 6pm, attended by over 250 tractors raising money for local charitable causes.

EXTENSIVE PROBE

Since Saturday evening, the Garda investigation team has carried out over 150 investigative jobs, carried out over 250 house to house enquiries, retrieved over 60 pieces of CCTV and taken over 100 written documents.

The gardai’s primary suspects are those linked to a major organised crime gang in the Midlands.

The drug pushers are well-known to gardai for their intimidation tactics and arson attacks.

Smashing the window first and throwing it in on top of the poor child and his grandaunt – they never stood a chance.”Irish Sun source

Both Mary and Pauline Holt had no involvement in crime. However, Gardai suspect the incident is linked to a male relative in his late 20s who is currently in prison for drug offences.

This man was involved in a minor row with a rival in the Midlands Prison a day before the incident.

A line of inquiry that the row may have led to the arson being ordered, but no evidence has yet been found in relation to that.

But gardai suspect it may be linked to a wider dispute and intimidation campaign by the gang.

HEARTBREAKING VIGIL

Hundreds turned out for a vigil for the boy, his grandaunt and wider family on the grounds of Brian’s Park in Edenderry, near the Holt family home.

Organised by Derry Rovers AFC, it said it was holding it “as a stance against the drugs scourge in our community and the loss of an innocent child.”

Residents held candles, said prayers before walking four laps of the track – which is located near the Holt home – in memory of little Tadhg.

Speaking on Wednesday, Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan said: “I want to reassure the community here in Edenderry and throughout Laois and Offaly Division that I will ensure that An Garda Siochana is here to support you through this traumatic event, but also that An Garda Siochana is determined, and will identify all those responsible for the deaths of Tadhg and Mary and bring them before the courts.

“I appeal directly to any person with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardai.

“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.”

COMMUNITY TRIBUTES

Hundreds of heartbroken mourners rushed to give their condolences to his family and offer tributes to “little angel” Tadgh.

One mourner said: “Words are not enough to say how deeply this young child’s loss has affected us all.

“I am so very very sorry for his family on this huge loss. The loss of a child is the worst thing for a mum. Fly high with the angels Tadgh.”

Another added: “No words can describe the impact of his innocent short life being taken in such a tragic way. I can only imagine the devastating impact this will have on his family.

“I hope the support and love you all receive from your family, friends and the wider community will be a source of solace and comfort to you now and into the future.”

The heartbroken family of the youngster paid an emotional tribute to the “forever missed” boy in a death notice first published yesterday.

The reeling family said in the post: “Tadhg’s sudden and tragic passing has left his family and friends heartbroken.

“Softly held in the arms of angels he will be forever missed and remembered by his loving family: mother Shannon, Dad Aaron, grandmothers Karen and Pauline, granddad Richard, sisters Ella Brooke, Heidi Lee and Neveah, great-grandmother Marian, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

“Fly with the Angels.”