Man charged with murder over four year-old and his great aunt in Offaly

A 22-year-old man has been charged with the murder Tadgh Farrell and his grand aunt Mary Holt in a fire at a house in Edenderry.

A fire at Castleview Park, Edenderry on 6 December 2025 killed both Tadgh and Mary while they were at home. He was visiting his granny, Pauline Holt, and great-aunt at the time of the incident.

Pauline suffered serious burns in the incident but was released from the hospital following a lengthy stay for treatnment.

Dunne was also charged with assault, causing serious harm to Ms Holt.

He is currently in custody and had previously been accused of arson at Castleview Park, Edenderry on 6 December last.

That charge remains before the court as does another charge of endangerment from the same date.

Judge Andrew Cody permitted an amendment which means the charge now alleges that Mr Dunne broke the front window of 29 Castleview Park and intentionally caused a fire which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to four named men.

There was no application for bail and Dunne was remanded in custody to appear in court again by video link in advance of another court appearance on October 28th.