Jim O’Callaghan has promised that those who set the fire that killed a four year old boy and his great aunt in Edenderry will be brought to justice.
On Saturday evening, emergency services were called out to a property in Castleview Park, Edenderry, County Offaly, after they were alerted to a fire.
While the fire was put out, 60 year old Mary Holt and four year old Tadhg Farrell were found to have died in it.
A second woman in her 50s was taken to hospital by ambulance where she is being treated for serious injuries.
Gardaí have said they believe the fire was started deliberately and described it as a “reckless, callous and murderous attack on a family home”.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he condemned the attack in the “strongest possible terms”.
“When you look at the very visible damage to the property, I think it’s clear this was an attack designed to kill the inhabitants,” he said.
“Obviously, I want to extend my condolences to the family concerned; I wish the woman who is in hospital a recovery.
“I also want them to know and the public to know that the Gardaí will relentlessly pursue the violence and dangerous criminals who are responsible for this murderous attack and they’ll be brought to justice.”
07/12/2025 Offaly Ireland. Photo shows the burnt house as the Garda have started a murder investigation into the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co. Offaly last evening. Emergency services, including Offaly Fire and Rescue Service, National Ambulance Service and Garda responded to the fire shortly before 7.45pm.The fire was extinguished and the remains of two persons, a woman aged 60 and a 4-year-old boy, were discovered deceased. A second woman, aged in her 50s, was taken from the scene by the National Ambulance Service and is receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
Gardaí have asked that anyone who was in the vicinity of Castleview Park on Saturday evening between 7pm and 8pm get in touch with them.
They are especially keen to speak to anyone with dashcam footage.
“All I can say is the Gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry,” Minister O’Callaghan said.
“Anyone with information, obviously, should bring it to the attention of the Gardaí.
“The people responsible should hand themselves in immediately; they will be brought to justice and I’m confident that will happen.
“I know that one line of inquiry that is being considered is whether or not the individuals who are killed and injured, obviously had no involvement in the drugs trade, there’s a suggestion and line of inquiry that this may have been related to or carried out by dangerous criminals involved in the drugs trade.”
Gardaí at the scene of the fire in Castleview Park, Edenderry. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie.Minister O’Callaghan added that he was “shocked by the savagery" and added that Gardaí have a “very good record” of bringing violent criminals to justice.
Anyone with any information should contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Main image: Mary Holt and Tadhg Farrell. Picture by: An Garda Síochána.
