Man, 20s, arrested over Edenderry house fire that killed boy, 4, and grandaunt, 60, as gardai confirm probe ‘ongoing’
Shocking CCTV that was released by gardai days after the house fire showed the moment two thugs targeted the house
A MAN is being questioned on suspicion of murdering a four-year-old boy and his grandaunt in a petrol bomb attack last month.
Gardai investigating the shocking killings of Tadhg Farrell, four, and Mary Holt, 60, lifted the suspect in his late 20s this morning.
It is the first arrest directly linked to the huge murder investigation.
He is being quizzed by specialist interviewers in custody and can be held for 24 hours before a decision has to be made to charge or release him.
A garda spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána 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.
“As part of this investigation, a man in his late 20s was arrested this morning, 14th January 2026.
“He is currently detained on suspicion of murder under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in the midlands.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
It is five weeks since Tadhg and Mary were killed in the horror, while the boy’s granny Pauline remains in hospital being treated for serious injuries from the incident.
The primary suspects in the case are a major Midlands organised crime gang.
Detectives have a number of persons of interest in the case, including a teenage boy.
A number of raids were carried out before Christmas in Kildare and Offaly, in which clothes, phones and other items were seized.
Detectives are also trawling through the evidence, such as CCTV and phones, while they are being supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Footage of the petrol bomb attack captured two hooded thugs entering the garden of the 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 then fled in the Kia Rio car which was being driven by a third associate.
The car – with a 08-D-24363 reg – was recovered burnt out at Tipper East, Naas, Co Kildare in the early hours of the following morning.
The Garda investigation team said they are satisfied that “any previous registered owners of this car are not involved in any way with this murderous attack.”
A spokesman said: “The Garda investigation team want to speak with any person who may have any information on person or persons who had access to this car 08 D 24363 Black Kia Rio Saloon between the 7th October 2025 and 7th December 2025
“Any knowledge of the whereabouts or activities of this car from the 1st December through to the 7th December 2025
“Any CCTV footage/images of the car in Kildare, Laois, Offaly or surrounding areas from the 1st December through to the 7th December 2025.”
He added: “An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardaí.
“An Garda Síochána wants to acknowledge the support and assistance provided to the Garda investigation to this point.
“Any person with information can contact the investigation team in confidence by the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
“The investigation team can also be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.”
