UPDATE: Gardai make special Christmas appeal for information on Offaly double murder

AN Garda Siochana this morning (Tuesday, December 23) issued an update on the fatal house fire in Castleview Park, Edenderry on Saturday evening, January 6.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said they continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the double murder.

The murder probe is being coordinated from an incident room at Tullamore Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.

The statement said: “On Saturday 6th December 2025 4-year-old Tadgh Farrell was visiting his grandmother and his grand-aunt Mary Holt at Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co. Offaly.

Shortly before 7.45pm this family home at Castleview Park was attacked. The remains of Tadgh and his grand-aunt Mary were discovered in the front room of the house where the fire was deliberately started.

“Tadgh’s grandmother continues to receive hospital treatment for serious burn injuries.

“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 Síochána Analysis Service and other National Units.

“An Garda Síochána through family liaison officers continues to liaise with and support the families of Tadhg and Mary at this time as they prepare for family funerals.

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“An Garda Síochána acknowledges the support shown by the local community in Edenderry, and wider area, to the families and to An Garda Síochána.

“Tadgh and Mary should be looking forward to and preparing to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.”

Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan, Laois/Offaly Garda Division reiterated the Garda appeal for information:

Chief Superintendent Lonergan said: “An Garda Síochána is determined, and will identify all those responsible for the deaths of Tadhg and Mary and bring them before the courts.

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“As Christmas approaches 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.