“OUR LITTLE ANGEL”: FAMILY HEARTBROKEN AFTER 2-YEAR-OLD PETER MULCAIRE IS KILLED IN LIMERICK HIT-AND-RUN

A family has been left devastated after their “beautiful” two-year-old son was struck by a vehicle and died in a tragic hit-and-run in Rathkeale, County Limerick.

Peter Mulcaire, from the Abbeycourt area of Rathkeale, was fatally injured shortly before 4pm on Saturday, September 5.

The little boy was reportedly playing on a toy tractor near his home when he was struck by a jeep.

The vehicle did not remain at the scene.

Peter was rushed to University Hospital Limerick by a family member after suffering catastrophic injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead.

“OUR LITTLE ANGEL”

News of Peter’s death has sent shockwaves through the Rathkeale community.

Heartbroken relatives, friends and neighbours have shared emotional tributes to the toddler, remembering him as a loving and beautiful little boy.

One relative described the loss as heartbreaking, while a neighbour called Peter their “little angel” and said their heart was breaking for his family.

His mother, Kerrie Mulcaire, had also recently shared photographs celebrating Peter’s first day at preschool.

According to local reports, the toddler had only recently started preschool.

For his family, a moment that should have marked the beginning of a new chapter has instead become a heartbreaking final memory.

DRIVER LEFT THE SCENE

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding Peter’s death.

A man in his 30s was later arrested at another location on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

He was brought to a Garda station in County Limerick to provide an evidential blood or urine sample.

The man has since been released pending analysis of the sample.

No conviction has been reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.

COMMUNITY EVENT CANCELLED

The tragedy has also brought the local community together in mourning.

A Rathkeale community fun day that had been scheduled for Sunday was cancelled as a mark of respect for Peter and his grieving family.

Prayers for the little boy were also said at Masses across St Mary’s Parish in Rathkeale and throughout the Diocese of Limerick.

A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to support Peter’s relatives.

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out a technical examination of the scene, while a post-mortem examination was also arranged.

GARDAÍ MAKE AN URGENT APPEAL

Investigators are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

Gardaí are particularly interested in speaking to road users who were in the Abbey Court area of Rathkeale between approximately 3:20pm and 4pm on Saturday.

Anyone with dash-cam or other camera footage from the area is also being urged to contact investigators.

As Peter’s family mourns the loss of a child described by loved ones as a “little angel,” the investigation continues.

A little boy who had only just begun preschool is now being remembered by an entire community.

And for those who loved Peter, the question is painfully simple: how does a family ever begin to say goodbye to a two-year-old child?