“FOREVER OUR LITTLE ANGEL” — TWO-YEAR-OLD PETER MULCAIRE’S FAMILY PREPARES TO SAY GOODBYE AFTER TRAGIC HIT-AND-RUN

He had only just started preschool.

His family was supposed to be watching him begin a new chapter of his little life — not preparing to say goodbye.

Two-year-old Peter Mulcaire, from Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, died after being struck by a vehicle in the Abbeycourt area on Saturday afternoon.

According to reports, Peter had been playing on a toy tractor when he was struck at around 4pm. He suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead after being taken to University Hospital Limerick.

HE HAD ONLY JUST STARTED PRESCHOOL

The timing has made the tragedy even harder for those who loved him.

Peter had started preschool only days before his death.

His mother, Kerrie, had shared photos of her smiling little boy as he began that exciting new chapter — including a picture marking “Peter’s first day of preschool 2026.”

Instead of watching him grow, his family is now preparing his funeral.

Relatives and friends have remembered Peter as a beautiful, loving child and a “little angel,” with tributes describing the devastating loss felt by his parents, older brother and extended family.

A COMMUNITY IN SHOCK

The tragedy has shaken Rathkeale.

A local community event planned for Sunday was cancelled out of respect for Peter and his grieving family.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed what happened or who may have dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the crash.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. He provided an evidential sample and was later released pending further analysis.

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

NOW COMES THE HARDEST GOODBYE

Peter’s family has announced that he will lie in repose at Cross’s Funeral Home in Limerick on Tuesday, September 8, from 6pm to 8pm.

His Mass of the Angels will take place on Wednesday, September 9, at 11:30am at St Mary’s Church in Rathkeale, followed by burial at New Cemetery.

The family has asked for privacy and requested that no photographs or videos be taken during the funeral service.

Peter was only two.

He had just begun preschool.

He had a whole childhood ahead of him.

Now, his family is left with photographs, memories and a goodbye no parent should ever have to make.

“Little angel.”

A phrase now being used by a heartbroken community to remember a little boy whose life was far too short.