'I love you son' - Mother of boy killed in Edenderry firebomb attack pays tribute

The mother of four-year-old Tadgh Farrell who was killed in last Saturday's petrol bomb attack in Edenderry has spoken out and paid tribute to her son.

Shannon Farrell took to social media with a heartfelt tribute in which she said, "I love you son. I promise you mammy is gonna do everything I can. You were the best boy ever with the most innocent loveable heart. You're my only boy and always will. I have no words we will have it all one day when I’m with you baby xx."

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances of last Saturday's attack in Castleview Park, Edenderry, which resulted in the deaths of little Tadgh and his grand-aunt Mary Holt, a 60-year-old nursing home worker. Mary's sister Pauline, Tadgh's granny, remains in hospital being treated for injuries sustained in the fire.

Gardaí took the unusual step this week of releasing CCTV footage of the moment two people can be seen smashing and throwing the suspected petrol bomb through the front window of the house. 

On Friday, gardaí carried out a number of searches at three residential addresses locally in Offaly and Kildare. 

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A Garda statement said: "This morning 12th December 2025, investigating Gardaí from the Serious Crime Unit, Laois/Offaly Garda Division are carrying out 3 searches at Domestic residences in Co. Kildare and Co. Offaly.

"The Garda Investigation team was supported by National Units including Special Tactics & Operations Command (STOC), Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and units from Laois/Offaly Garda Division and Kildare/Carlow Garda Division.

"An Garda Síochána continues to appeal 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."

Tadgh Farrell's funeral takes places in St Mary's Church in Edenderry at 12pm on Friday. His father, Aaron Holt, has refused compassionate bail to attend the funeral in court in Mullingar on Thursday. He is awaiting sentence for serious drugs offences.

The town of Edenderry will come to a standstill for the funeral with a number of businesses confirming they will close for the hour as Tadgh's remains are brought to the church and his funeral takes place. 

Mary Holt's funeral mass will take place on Sunday.