LOCAL GRIEF
Dad of boy, 4, killed in Offaly double murder arson attack refused funeral release as cops hunt suspect in hospital plot
Little Tadhg’s wake took place in Edenderry tonight
THE dad of a boy killed in a double murder arson attack has been refused compassionate bail to attend his kid’s funeral.
It comes as the Irish Sun has learned hospital patients who present with burn injuries are being flagged with gardai – but no suspects have been uncovered in the murders of Tadhg Farrell, four, and Mary Holt, 60.
Anyone who has been raised with investigators in recent days have been ruled out of suspicion.
The huge investigation into the incident at Castleview Park on Saturday evening is ongoing with gardai focusing in on a gang in the Midlands.
It comes as the first of the two funerals for the victims takes place tomorrow.
Little Tadhg’s wake took place in the town tonight, between 4pm and 7pm.
Huge crowds of mourners showed up to pay their respects as the little boy reposed at Larkin’s Funeral Home, Edenderry.
Locals told how what happened was “absolutely devastating” for the local community.
One told The Irish Sun: “This town will probably never recover from what has happened here. It will be very, very hard.”
Tadhg’s father Aaron Holt has meanwhile been denied compassionate bail to attend his son’s funeral.
The 27-year-old, awaiting sentence for serious drug offences, appeared via video-link from the Midlands Prison to make an urgent application before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court today.
The dad-of-three, who has 57 prior criminal convictions, was refused leave by Judge Connolly, who said he had deep sympathies for the situation but had no hesitation in refusing the application over Holt’s persistent offending and the nature and value of his latest offence.
Holt remained silent throughout the hearing and showed no emotion when the judgement was made.
SOCIAL MEDIA TRIBUTE
Elsewhere, Tadhg’s grieving mum Shannon Farrell has taken to social media to remember her son.
Since learning of the horrendous news that her son had died in the incident as he was being babysat by his granny and grandaunt, Shannon has been supported by her loved ones and friends.
She posted a picture of Tadhg, who was due to turn five on New Year’s Day, enjoying a trip to Emerald Park in Co Meath over the summer.
And she wrote: “I love you son. I promise your mammy is gonna do everything I can.
‘I HAVE NO WORDS’
“You were the best boy ever with the most innocent loveable heart.
“You’re my only boy and always will. I have no words.”
Tadhg’s granny Pauline Holt suffered serious burn injuries in the incident, after she tried to get to her grandson and sister.
However, the blaze was too strong and she remained in hospital last night for treatment to her wounds.
SHOCKING FOOTAGE
CCTV of the attack, released by gardai, captured the two thugs entering the garden of a home in Castleview Park.
One smashed the front window with a metal 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.
The pair, who have yet to be identified, then fled in a Kia car from the scene, as revealed by the Irish Sun this week.
Gardai have yet to establish an exact motive for the incident.
WIDER DISPUTE
Both Mary and Pauline Holt had no involvement in crime.
But gardai suspect the incident is linked to a recent dispute with someone known to the deceased.
Although it remains a line of inquiry, no evidence has been found in relation to that.
Gardai believe the incident may be linked to a wider dispute and intimidation campaign by a major organised crime gang in the Midlands.
PERSONS OF INTEREST
A number of persons of interest in the case are linked to the mob, known for intimidation tactics and arson attacks which have almost claimed lives in the past.
At a vigil on Wednesday night in Edenderry, hundreds gathered in solidarity against the thugs.
The massive crowd turned out for the vigil at Brian’s Park as locals held candles and said prayers.
They then walked four laps of the track – which is located near the Holt home – in memory of little Tadhg.
LOCALS’ ANGER
Although many expressed anger and grief, others told how they were angry at what had happened at the hands of criminals.
On Saturday, a huge tractor run for charity was taking place in Edenderry in what was said to be “great occasion.”
However local woman Sharon Farrell told the Irish Sun: “But somewhere in the darkness there was evil. And that’s not what Edenderry is about.”
Ms Farrell added: “It’s just so sad.
‘HAUNTING’
“I think it’s great to get out into the community and let them know we’re still bigger than them.
“And we’ll always be bigger than them. I think everybody’s fearing them now – we shouldn’t have fear.”
Another local Amanda Cummins told how the whole incident was “haunting.”
She explained: “You can’t get it out of your head to think like what the poor little boy went through and poor Mary.
‘JUST INHUMANE’
“For this to happen, it’s just inhumane.”
She added: “It’s unbelievable to think that that was happening and to feel so helpless that there was nothing you could do.”
Tony Loughlan knew Mary Holt very well as he explained she had worked in a local nursing home for 40 years.
He said: “A local girl who worked in the nursing home from the day it opened.
GARDA PROBE
“To see her life gone now, after all the helping of old folks, is shocking.”
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.
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 Síochana is here to support you through this traumatic event, but also that An Garda Síochana 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 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.”
