FAMILY SAYS GOODBYE TO LITTLE PETER MULCAIRE AFTER HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY

RATHKEALE, COUNTY LIMERICK — A family and an entire community came together to say goodbye to two-year-old Peter Mulcaire, a little boy remembered as his family’s “sunshine” and “pride” after his life was suddenly cut short.

Peter, from Abbey Court in Rathkeale, had only recently started preschool. His older brother, Jim, had walked him into his first class, which his family described as a “new adventure” for the little boy.

But just days later, tragedy struck.

On the afternoon of September 5, 2026, Peter was playing outside his home when he was struck by a jeep. Gardaí said the vehicle did not remain at the scene.

Peter was taken for emergency medical treatment but later died from his injuries. Gardaí subsequently arrested a man in his 30s at another location for the purpose of providing a blood or urine sample on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. He was later released pending analysis of the sample.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Gardaí have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dash-cam or doorbell footage from the area to come forward.

‘MOMMY’S SUNSHINE, DADDY’S PRIDE’

At Peter’s emotional funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Rathkeale, mourners heard how deeply the toddler had touched those around him.

Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon told the congregation that Peter had been his family’s “sunshine” and had left an impression on everyone he met.

Peter is survived by his parents, Kerrie and James, his brother Jim, and baby sister Delilah, along with his wider Harty and Mulcaire families.

A special song written for Peter was played during the service, describing him as his mother’s sunshine, his father’s pride, his brother’s best friend and his baby sister’s world.

His favorite songs, “You Are My Sunshine” and “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star,” were also played as family and friends gathered to remember him.

A FINAL GOODBYE

The church was filled with personal reminders of Peter’s short but deeply loved life.

Family members placed his buggy, schoolbag and other treasured belongings beside his coffin. Mourners also wore shirts carrying his photograph and the words “Forever 2.”

Children and adults arrived dressed as characters from some of Peter’s favorite cartoons, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Peppa Pig.

In another deeply personal moment, Peter’s baby sister Delilah was baptized during the funeral Mass, allowing Peter to remain part of the family milestone.

After the service, Peter’s coffin was carried from the church as mourners accompanied him on his final journey.

The community had already shown its support in the days following the tragedy. A local family fun day was cancelled as a mark of respect, while friends, relatives and neighbors gathered to mourn the little boy.

For those who knew Peter, his life may have lasted only two years — but the memories he created will remain with his family forever.

His favorite songs, his first days at preschool, his smile and the small belongings placed beside him at his funeral now stand as reminders of a little boy who was, above all, deeply loved.

Peter Mulcaire was laid to rest in Rathkeale, surrounded by the family and community who will remember him as their little sunshine.