WATCH: Gardai release CCTV footage of arson attack on Offaly home

CCTV footage released by the gardai shows the shocking moment when arsonists targeted an Edenderry home resulting in the deaths of Mary Holt, 60, and her grand nephew, four-year-old Tadgh Farrell.

A bright flash of light can be seen in the video which captured the incident at Castleview Park and two figures then rush from the scene with one holding what appears to be a long bar.

In a statement accompanying the video, Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan, Laois/Offaly Garda Division said: “I want to reassure the community here in Edenderry and throughout Laois/Offaly Division that I will ensure that An Garda Síochána is here to support you through this traumatic event, but also that An Garda Síochána 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 Gardaí.”

Gardai said they continue to investigate all the circumstances of the fatal house fire on the evening of Saturday, December 6 last.

The arson has been linked to drug debt intimidation though the two victims, plus Tadgh’s grandmother, Pauline Holt, who was hospitalised afterwards, were completely innocent.

Gardai said that while the attack on the family home was “reckless, callous and murderous”, An Garda Síochána continues to keep an open mind as to the reasons and motives.

A garda spokesperson said: “This murder investigation is being coordinated from an incident room at Tullamore Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.

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

“On Saturday 6th December 2025 the Christmas Tractor Run took place in Edenderry at 6pm, attended by over 250 tractors raising money for local charitable causes.

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

“Tadhg’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.

“Post-mortem examinations on the remains of Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt have been completed. The results of the post-mortem examinations are not being released for operational reasons.

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

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“To date the Garda investigation team has carried out over 150 investigative jobs, carried out over 250 house to house enquiries, retrieved over 60 pieces of CCTV and taken over 100 written documents.

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

“Tadhg should be with his family today.

“His grandaunt Mary should be working in a local nursing home where she worked for over 40 years helping her community.”

A vigil has been organised by Derry Rovers AFC this evening (8pm, Wednesday, December 10) at the club soccer ground just a stone’s throw from Castleview Park.

In a post on social media the club said: “Derry Rovers AFC will hold a candlelit vigil at our club grounds Brian’s Park(Eircode R45W935) tomorrow night Wednesday 10th December at 8pm on our walking track as a stance against the drugs scourge in our community and the loss of an innocent child.

“The news that broke last weekend of the tragedy that has shook the town of Edenderry to its core and is a town still reeling in shock as it comes to terms with the scale of the sad loss of lives in the fire at Castleview Park.”

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