Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 13837Arson · Co. Limerick · 2 May 2025

Four homes targeted in suspected arson attacks in Rathkeale

At around 4am on Friday 2 May 2025, four properties around Rathkeale, Co Limerick, were attacked with petrol bombs in suspected arson attacks. One property was burnt out, other homes were badly damaged, and no injuries were reported. Gardaí are investigating whether the attacks were retaliation for a previous serious incident in the town, and a local source linked them to a local dispute. The sources report no arrest or charge, and as of the latest report Gardaí are collecting CCTV footage and awaiting a report from local Gardaí.

  1. Reported2 May
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
One property was burnt out and other homes were badly damaged in the attacks.
Where
Four properties around Rathkeale, Co Limerick, were targeted.
When
The attacks happened at around 4am on Friday 2 May 2025.
Cause
  • Gardaí are investigating whether the attacks may have been retaliation for a previous serious incident in the town.
  • A reliable local source said the fire attacks were suspected to be linked to a local dispute.
Weapon
The properties were attacked with petrol bombs.
Investigation
  • Gardaí are collecting CCTV footage from around the town to try to trace those involved.
  • A Garda Press Office spokesperson said they were awaiting a report on the matter from local Gardaí.
  • The sources report no arrest or charge in the case.
Other details
  • No injuries were reported.
  • Four fire brigade units from Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Foynes attended and put out the flames.
  • Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to provide additional Gardaí for Rathkeale.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatOne property was burnt out and other homes were badly damaged. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whereThe attacks happened on properties around Rathkeale, Co Limerick. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenThe attacks happened at around 4am on Friday 2 May 2025. (limerickpost.ie)
  • causeGardaí are investigating whether the attacks may have been retaliation for a previous serious incident in the town. (limerickpost.ie)
  • causeA reliable local source said the fire attacks were suspected to be linked to a local dispute. (limerickpost.ie)
  • weaponThe properties were attacked with petrol bombs. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are to collect CCTV footage from around the town to try to trace those involved. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationA Garda Press Office spokesperson said they were awaiting a report on the matter from local Gardaí. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherNo injuries were reported. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherFour fire brigade units from Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Foynes attended and put out the flames. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 May2025
    Reportedlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Call for extra Gardaí in Rathkeale after four homes targeted in arson attacks in one morning

    Reports the four petrol bomb attacks in Rathkeale on 2 May 2025, the Garda lines of enquiry and CCTV appeal, and a councillor's call for more Gardaí in the town.