Man on double murder charge after Offaly house fire is sent for trial
Twenty-two-year-old accused of arson in Edenderry and killing four-year-old boy and his grand-aunt, along with causing serious harm to boy's grandmother, is sent from Tullamore District Court to Central Criminal Court
THE man accused of murdering a four-year-old boy and his grand-aunt in Edenderry last year has been sent forward to the Central Criminal Court.
A book of evidence was served on Michael Dunne (22), with an address in Co Kildare, when he appeared in custody before Judge Andrew Cody at Tullamore District Court this morning (Wednesday, November 4).
Garda Stacey O'Brien told the court she served the book of evidence on Mr Dunne and said the DPP had consented for him to be sent for trial to the current sitting of the Central Criminal Court on five charges.
Sending the accused forward, Judge Cody was told there was no application for bail. The judge also granted legal aid.
Mr Dunne is charged with the murder of Tadgh Farrell and Mary Holt at Castleview Park, Edenderry on December 6 last.
Mr Dunne, whose full address cannot be published by order of the court, is also charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Pauline Holt, grandmother of Tadgh Farrell.
Another charge alleges that Mr Dunne broke the front window of 29 Castleview Park and intentionally caused a fire which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to four named males.
Finally, he is accused of arson at 29 Castleview Park, Edenderry.
Tadgh Farrell (4) and his grand-aunt Mary Holt (60), died following a fire at 29 Castleview Park on December 6, 2025.
Pauline Holt, the boy's grandmother, was hospitalised with serious burn injuries after the fire.
(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)