"Grief and disbelief" in Offaly as politicians react to double fatality in Edenderry

Politicians in Offaly have spoken of the sense of shock and grief in the county following Saturday night's arson attack which claimed the lives of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his 60-year-old grand-aunt Mary Holt in Edenderry.

Independent TD Carol Nolan said there was a feeling of "numbness and disbelief" after it emerged that the two tragic deaths were now being investigated as murder.

The victims died after an arson attack saw the house they were in set on fire at around 7.45pm on Saturday. Gardai said they believe the fire was started deliberately, describing it as "a reckless, callous and murderous attack" on a family home.

Deputy Nolan said her thoughts and prayers were with all those affected by "the barbaric and senseless attack," including an unnamed woman in her 50s who is also receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries following the incident.

"This brutal and savage attack on an innocent child and the two unfortunate women has caused genuine devastation throughout Edenderry and Offaly," said Deputy Nolan.

"We can only hope that the Gardaí bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice as soon as possible. They have our full support in that difficult task."

She said four-year-old Tadhg Farrell "should be alive today, thinking about Santa and enjoying Christmas," but that the person or persons who committed the attack had treated "his life and everyone around him with callous indifference".

"Our hearts are broken for them all," the TD added.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin councillor Claire Murray, from Rhode, said she wished to extend her "sincere condolences to the family, friends, and neighbours of the woman and child who tragically lost their lives" in Saturday night's house fire.

"The entire community is in shock at this devastating loss," said Cllr Murray.

"I also want to acknowledge the work of the emergency services who attended the scene.

"With an investigation now underway, I would encourage anyone who may have information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact An Garda Síochána," she added.