Father of boy killed in Edenderry arson attack says he has had most painful month of life – The Irish Times

The father of a four-year-old boy who died in an arson attack in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, last month described the past month as the most painful of his life during a court appearance on Thursday. Aaron Holt (27) appeared before Tullamore Circuit Court to be sentenced for separate drugs offences while already serving a sentence for previous drug-related convictions.

Arson Attack and Fatalities

Holt’s son, Tadgh Farrell, and aunt Mary Holt (60) died in an arson attack at Castleview Park on December 6th. Holt’s mother was seriously injured in the same attack and remains hospitalized.

Holt was in prison at the time of the arson. A man in his 20s, arrested Wednesday in connection with the attack, was released without charge on Thursday.

Drugs Offences and Court Proceedings

Holt was previously described as being “front and centre” of the drugs trade in and around Edenderry and was denied bail to attend his son’s funeral due to fears of reoffending and for his own safety. He appeared in Tullamore Circuit Court charged with three offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, including possession and possession for sale and supply, stemming from an incident on March 11th, 2025.

The charges relate to the discovery of diamorphine, valued at €32,910, at the Castleview Park property. Heroin is a preparation of diamorphine. Holt pleaded guilty on June 5th, 2025, to possessing drugs for sale or supply.

Shane O’Neill (26), of Tullamore, formerly of Edenderry, also pleaded guilty in October 2025 to possessing drugs for sale or supply as a co-accused.

Evidence Presented in Court

Garda Trevor Mullins testified that CCTV footage showed O’Neill exiting 29 Castleview Park and placing a package to the rear of the property on May 8th, 2024. A subsequent search the following day uncovered drugs in the kitchen.

A search of O’Neill’s Edenderry address revealed a drugs “tick list” belonging to Holt, along with additional drugs. The tick list contained names associated with varying amounts of money, including entries for €10,000 and €5,000.

The court heard Holt searched for the deposited drugs on May 9th, but they had already been seized by authorities. An exchange of messages between Holt and O’Neill began at 4 a.m. and continued past 7 a.m. that morning. CCTV footage showed both men searching for the drugs for several hours.

David Nugent, barrister for O’Neill, stated his client pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and is prepared to accept the consequences of his actions.

Judge’s Remarks and Adjournment

Judge Keenan Johnson described the case as an illustration of the “scourge of illicit drugs,” highlighting the value of the drugs tick list as indicative of the problem’s depth. He adjourned the matter to January 27th to consider the evidence.

Before concluding, Judge Johnson offered his condolences to Mr. Holt for his loss, to which Mr. Holt expressed his gratitude.