'His time with us was too short' - Funeral of Tadgh Farrell hears heartbreaking tributes

placeholder image — 'His time with us was too short' - Funeral of Tadgh Farrell hears heartbreaking tributes

Little Tadgh Farrell (4) died alongside his grand-aunt Mary Holt (60) after a house in Castleview Park, Edenderry, was attacked with a petrol bomb last weekend

The funeral of Tadgh Farrell, the four-year-old boy killed in a petrol bomb attack in Edenderry, Co Offaly, last weekend, has heard he had “a laugh that could make even the heaviest days feel lighter.”

The Offaly town ground to a halt on Friday afternoon as little Tadgh’s funeral mass took place at St Mary’s Church, Edenderry. Locals formed a guard of honour along the route as the hearse carrying Tadgh’s remains made its way from his home in Killane Drive to the church.

There were emotional scenes as the funeral cortege entered the grounds of the church with locals still stunned and wracked with grief from last Saturday’s attack. Gardaí are still investigating after Tadgh and his grand-aunt Mary Holt were killed after the house they were occupants of in Castleview Park, Edenderry, was targeted with a petrol bomb.

Parish priest Fr Greg Corcoran spoke about the shock and sadness in the town in the days since the tragedy: “Today we gather in sadness, we gather in shock to bid our farewells to Tadgh. This day last week, Tadgh was looking forward to watching the Late Late Toy Show. Today we gather in St Mary’s to make our farewell to Tadgh, that he may have peace with God, our father.”

Fr Corcoran went on to say, “today is all about Tadgh, all about his family. He’s the centre of our thoughts, the centre of our prayers, he’s the centre of our gathering here at St Mary’s.”

A eulogy written by Tadgh’s mother Shannon Farrell was delivered by Fr Greg Corcoran. In it, she 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 any room, a laugh that could make even the heaviest days feel lighter, a spirit so bright that everyone who met you felt it.

“You taught us what joy really looked like. You taught us what love really feels like. 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.”

A tribute written by Shannon’s mother, Tadgh’s ‘Nanny Farrell,’ was also read by Fr Corcoran. It said: “My grandson, baby Tadgh, I will forever think of the little things with you, like the way you’d say, ‘I love you, nanny,’ and I’d say, ‘I love you,’ and we’d laugh and say, ‘what harm are you doing now, Tadgh?’ Five minutes later, you’d be up to mischief again. Love and lots of love, nanny Farrell.”

Fr Corcoran later read a tribute to Tadgh from his uncle Dylan. It read: "Today we gather with heavy hearts to honour and remember someone we loved deeply; my nephew Tadgh. His time with us was far too short but the impact he left on our lives will last forever.

"From the moment he came into our family, he brought a light that was unmistakable. He had a way of making people smile, whether through his laughter, his kindness, or simply in the way he showed up in the world. One thing everyone knew about Tadgh was how much he loved dirt bikes. The boy could talk about bikes for hours and I can't even count how many times he came to me, pestering and pleading, 'will you open the shed, Dyl?' and every single time, he just wanted to see the bikes, touch them, fix them, learn about them. Even when it annoyed me in the moment, looking back, those memories are precious.

"His excitement, his passion, his determination; they were part of who he was. Tadgh, losing you has left a space in our lives that nothing can fill. But as we grieve, we also remember the light he brought into the world; his enthusiasm, his love, all of it stays with us. Today we say goodbye to Tadgh far too soon but we also say 'thank you' Tadgh for the memories. Thank you for the laughter, thank you for the love you gave without even realising it. Tadgh, we will carry you with us always, may you rest in peace. My little man, my best friend, my nephew, Tadgh. Today, tomorrow and always, your uncle Dyl."

Tadgh was buried in St Mary’s Cemetery in Edenderry following his funeral mass. May he rest in peace.

Investigation

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

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."

PICTURES: PA Ireland