EXCLUSIVE Gɑrdɑi hɑve reveɑled SH0CKING new detɑils in the investigɑtion into the Offɑly ɑɾsσn thɑt clɑimed the lives of 4-yeɑr-old Tɑdhg Fɑrrell ɑnd his grɑndɑunt, following ɑ rɑid cɑrried out in the ɗeɑɗ of night.
SUSPECT HUNT
Dawn raids on Midlands crime gang associates suspected of double murder of boy & grandaunt amid 4 attack arrests
Tadgh’s mother led an emotional tribute to the four-year-old at his funeral today
GARDAI went on the offensive as they launched dawn raids on associates of a Midlands organised crime gang suspected of carrying out a double murder of a child and his grandaunt.
Detectives also arrested four men linked with the rival side of the dispute as the major investigation into the petrol bomb that claimed the lives of Tadhg Farrell, four, and Mary Holt, 60, continues.
Tadgh was remembered at a funeral service today after his shock deathCredit: Family Handout/PA Wire
Tadgh’s grandaunt Mary Holt also died in the deliberate blazeCredit: RIP COLLECT
Gardai have stressed they are committed to finding those responsible for the two deathsCredit: Collins Dublin
However, Gardai confirmed on Friday night the four had been released without charge.
Tadhg’s granny Pauline suffered serious injuries after she tried to get to the pair but was unable to as the blaze was too strong.
The investigation into the case is following multiple strands but cops are focusing on the one major gang.
Ahead of little Tadhg’s funeral in Edenderry, Co Offaly, this morning, gardai launched searches of two properties in Kildare linked to two young thugs who are suspects in the case.
The Irish Sun has learned that one of the criminals, aged in his mid 20s, is closely linked to the one-time leader of the Midlands gang who died a number of years ago.
A source told us: “He’s one of the group’s young guns willing to carry out attacks for the more senior members.
“These younger members of the gangs are often far more reckless.”
The third home raided was in Co Offaly, with all three coming on foot of the District Court granting search warrants.
No arrests were made in the operation as investigators continue to work on gathering evidence.
Cops believe that both Mary and Pauline were innocent, but the dispute relates to a man known to them.
A line of inquiry being investigated is that this man ordered an attack on a rival on Saturday.
The victim is linked to the gang who are suspected of carrying out the petrol bomb attack.
Gardai arrested four men who carried out the attack and questioned them over who put them up to it.
It is being treated as a separate probe which intersects with the double murder investigation.
A source told The Irish Sun: “The attack is one element that fed into the wider dispute between the man known to the deceased and the man linked to the rival gang in the Midlands who was attacked on Saturday.
“The attack was quite minor, there was an injury to the face but nothing major.
“It is a separate investigation but it clearly overlaps too.”
Huge crowds gathered to pay their respects to little TadghCredit: News group Newspapers
Dirtbikes led the procession in a nod to tragic Tadgh’s ‘passion’Credit: News group Newspapers
Grieving mother Shannon penned an emotional tribute for the massCredit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The funeral of young Tadhg took place in Offaly today, with thousands lining the streets as the procession made its way to St Mary’s Church in Edenderry.
Dirtbikes, which the funeral heard were Tadgh’s “passion”, led the hearse to the church as mourners, including Tadgh’s heartbroken mum Shannon and his siblings, escorted the coffin.
In a heartbreaking tribute read by Fr Gregory Corcoran on behalf of Tadgh’s mum Shannon, she told how her little boy had a “smile that could light up any room”.
TRAGIC TRIBUTE
Her message said: “My sweet Tadgh, you were only four years old, but you filled a lifetime’s worth of love into those years.
“You had a smile that could light up any room, a laugh that made even the heaviest days feel lighter, and a spirit so bright that everyone who met you felt it.
“You taught us what joy really was, you taught us how precious every moment can be. I love you, Tadgh.
“Rest gently, my sweet little boy, my only boy. I will find you in every bit of sunshine. Your mother, your loving mother, Shannon.”
A candle on the altar was lit on behalf of the entire Edenderry community to remember Tadgh and his grandaunt Mary during the mass, with Tadgh’s small white coffin in front.
ONGOING PROBE
CCTV of the attack, released by gardai, captured the two thugs entering the garden of a 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, who have yet to be identified, then fled in a Kia car from the scene, as revealed by The Irish Sun this week.
One of the unidentified suspects may have suffered burns to his hands.
Hospital patients who present with burn injuries are being flagged with gardai probing the case but no suspects have been uncovered from it.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan said: “I want to reassure the community here in Edenderry and throughout Laois and Offaly Division that I will ensure that An Garda Siochana is here to support you through this traumatic event, but also that An Garda Siochana is determined, and will identify all those responsible for the deaths of Tadhg and Mary and bring them before the courts.
“I appeal directly to any person with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardai.
“The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 0579327600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800666111 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.”
CCTV of the attack captured two thugs entering the garden to carry out the attackCredit: Aisling Hyland/PA Wire
Gardai released the shocking CCTV footage in a bid to help catch those responsibleCredit: Gardai