Family's Ballyfermot home hit by petrol bomb in mistaken identity arson attack
A petrol bomb was thrown through the front window of artist Pat Curran's home on Landen Road, Ballyfermot, west Dublin, in the early hours of 21 May 2025, in what gardaí said was a case of mistaken identity. The family escaped but their dog died, and Breda Curran and their son Luke were treated for smoke inhalation.
- Reported29 May
- Arrested21 May
- Charged21 May
2 reports - In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports28 statements extracted from the articles
- whatCriminal damage by fire occurred at a residence on Landen Road in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 (garda.ie)
- whatTwo males were charged in relation to criminal damage by fire at a residence on Landen Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, on 21 May 2025. (garda.ie)
- whatA petrol bomb was thrown through the front window of the home (irishtimes.com)
- whatPat Curran is 68 years old (irishtimes.com)
- whatTheir dog Zach died in the blaze (irishtimes.com)
- whatBreda and Luke were treated for smoke inhalation (irishtimes.com)
- whatNeighbours called the Fire Brigade who arrived within minutes (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe home is on Landen Road in Ballyfermot, west Dublin (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe fire occurred on Wednesday 21 May 2025 (garda.ie)
- whenThe attack occurred in the early hours of 21 May 2025 (irishtimes.com)
- investigationTwo males were arrested in connection with the incident (garda.ie)
- investigationThe two males are detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 (garda.ie)
- investigationInvestigations are ongoing (garda.ie)
- investigationA male juvenile in his teens was arrested on 4 July 2025 in connection with the Ballyfermot arson. (garda.ie)
- investigationInvestigations into the incident are ongoing. (garda.ie)
- chargeThe juvenile has been charged. (garda.ie)
- courtThe male in his 20s is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on 4 July 2025 at 10.30am. (garda.ie)
- courtThe juvenile in his teens is due to appear before the Children's Court on 4 July 2025 at 10.30am. (garda.ie)
- courtThe juvenile is due to appear at Dublin District Court, Court No. 3, on 5 July 2025. (garda.ie)
- otherOne arrested male is in his 20s (garda.ie)
- otherOne arrested male is a juvenile in his teens (garda.ie)
- otherGardaí said the attack was a case of mistaken identity (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe couple have no house insurance (irishtimes.com)
- otherA GoFundMe page was set up to help repair the home (irishtimes.com)
- otherHe has been living in the area with his wife and children for more than 30 years (irishtimes.com)
- otherBreda is originally from Bluebell and is a social care worker (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe family are currently staying with relatives (irishtimes.com)
- otherCurran plans to hold an exhibition of the burnt paintings (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 29 May2025‘Waking up in hell’: Family subject to mistaken Dublin arson attack told ‘it wasn’t meant for youse’
Family account of the petrol bomb attack, mistaken identity explanation from gardaí, Ring doorbell footage, and the impact on the household including the death of their dog and damage to the artist's work.
victim, Pat Curran, 68, male, irish (judged from name)Pat Curranvictim, Breda Curran, female, irish (judged from name)Breda Curranvictim, Luke, 20, male, irish (judged from name)Luke - 21 May2025Update (3): Court Appearance - Criminal Damage by Fire at a residence in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, 21st May, 2025
A male juvenile in his teens was arrested on 4 July 2025 and charged; due to appear at Dublin District Court, Court No. 3, on 5 July 2025. Investigations ongoing.
suspect, teens, male - 21 May2025Court Appearance - Criminal Damage by Fire at a residence in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. 21st May, 2025.
Two males charged – one in his 20s due at the Criminal Courts of Justice and one juvenile in his teens due at the Children's Court on 4 July 2025.
suspect, 20s, malesuspect, teens, male - 21 May2025Arrests - Criminal Damage by Fire at a residence in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 - 21st May 2025
Two males arrested – one in his 20s and one juvenile in his teens – detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda stations in Dublin.
suspect, 20s, malesuspect, teens, male