Offaly double murder probe fresh update as gardai ‘will ID all those responsible’ for deaths of boy, 4, & grandaunt
Cops are confident they will find the perpetrators
GARDAI investigating the murders of a four-year-old boy and his grandaunt in Co Offaly have issued a fresh justice vow.
Tadhg Farrell and his grandaunt Mary Colt, 60, were killed after a petrol bomb was thrown through the front window of a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly earlier this month.
Young Tadhg was being babysat by his grandaunt at the home when the attack occurred on December 6, 2025.
The tragic pair were in the front room when thugs, captured on CCTV, smashed the window and the lit petrol bomb was thrown in on top of them.
Tadhg’s granny, who was also in the house at the time, managed to escape the blaze but suffered serious injuries after attempting to reach her two family members.
Devastated Pauline was later heard screaming outside that “the child is in the house” as she watched on.
Amid their new promise today Gardai issued an update on the grandmother’s condition.
A spokesperson said: “Shortly before 7.45pm this family home at Castleview Park was attacked.
“The remains of Tadhg and his grand-aunt Mary were discovered in the front room of the house where the fire was deliberately started.
“Tadhg’s grandmother continues to receive hospital treatment for serious burn injuries.”
Gardai are probing a theory that the attack is related to a feud involving a male known to the family, who is currently in prison.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan of the Laois/ Offaly Garda Division said today investigators “will” find those responsible for Tadgh and Mary’s deaths.
He said: “An Garda Siochana is determined, and will identify all those responsible for the deaths of Tadhg and Mary and bring them before the courts.
“As Christmas approaches I appeal directly to any person with any information on this violent, fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardai.”
The vow comes as Gardai said the pair should be “preparing to celebrate Christmas”.
Little Tadhg was due to celebrate his fifth birthday on New Year’s Day The Irish Sun learned earlier this month.
FRESH INFORMATION APPEAL
In a renewed appeal today Gardai said: “An Garda Siochana continues to investigate all the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co. Offaly on the evening of Saturday 6th December, 2025.
“This murder investigation is being coordinated from an incident room at Tullamore Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.
“On Saturday 6th December 2025 4-year-old Tadhg Farrell was visiting his grandmother and his grand-aunt Mary Holt at Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co. Offaly.”
LOCAL ‘SUPPORT’
They added: “The Garda investigation into the murder of Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt continues to be led by the Serious Crime Unit Laois/ Offaly Garda Division, supported by all necessary resources from Laois/ Offaly Garda Division, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), the Garda Siochana Analysis Service and other National Units.
“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.”
And the spokesperson said: “An Garda Siochana acknowledges the support shown by the local community in Edenderry, and wider area, to the families and to An Garda Síochána.
“Tadhg and Mary should be looking forward to and preparing to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.”
