Ireland Case No. 3616Criminal damage by fire (arson) · Co. Westmeath · 6 Mar 2026
Arson attacks at St James' Church, Kilbeggan, and St Michael's Church, Castletown Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath
Arson attacks were carried out at St James' Church in Kilbeggan and St Michael's Church in Castletown Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath, in the early hours of Friday 6 March 2026, when diesel-soaked cloth was used to ignite the doors of both buildings. Gardaí are investigating both incidents, with no injuries reported.
- Reported10 Mar
- Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatArson attacks occurred at two churches in Westmeath. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe fire at St Michael's was restricted to the entrance area with some smoke damage. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereOne attack was at St James' Church in Kilbeggan. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe other attack was at St Michael's Church, Castletown Geoghegan. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenBoth incidents occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, 6 March 2026. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenGardaí were alerted to the Castle Geoghegan incident at approximately 4:30am. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeDiesel-soaked cloth was used to ignite the doors of both buildings. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí are investigating both fires. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe scene at Castle Geoghegan was preserved for a technical examination. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherNo injuries were reported in either incident. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherA church volunteer named Mike Garvin helped prevent the fire at St Michael's from spreading. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 10 Mar2026Investigation underway after arson attacks at two churches
Initial report of two linked arson attacks on churches in Westmeath; Gardaí investigating, no arrests or charges yet.