Boy, 2, killed in hit-and-run as mum shared heartbreaking pre-school photograph days earlier than
A two-year-old boy was killed in a horror hit-and-run in Rathkeale, Limerick, on Saturday afternoon. The toddler was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later
Photo of Peter Mulcaire ahead of his first day at pre-school(Image: Facebook)
A two-year-old boy tragically killed in a horrific hit-and-run in Ireland had just begun pre-school, it has been revealed.
Heartbreaking news emerged that little Peter Mulcaire, believed to be from Rathkeale, was initially rushed to University Hospital Limerick by a family member but was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards on Saturday (September 5).
He was hit by a Jeep on Abbey Court in Rathkeale in Limerick, just after 3:50pm. The Jeep was then seen fleeing the scene. Gardai later apprehended a man, in his 30s, at another location on suspicion of driving under the influence.
He was taken to a Garda Station in Limerick and provided an evidential sample. He has since been released pending analysis, reports the Irish Mirror.
Gardai later arrested a man in connection with the incident (stock) (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Just last week, heartbroken mum Kerrie shared several photos of Peter on social media ahead of his first day at pre-school. He is seen grinning in front of a balloon that reads “Peter’s first day of pre-school”.
Tributes have since flooded in for the young boy. One said: “This world can be so cruel at times.”
While another added: “Rest in perfect peace to this beautiful boy”.
In a statement, Gardai said: “A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) was been appointed to support the family of the deceased.
“The vehicle involved in the collision did not remain at the scene. A male driver of the vehicle (aged in his 30s) was subsequently arrested at a different location by Gardaí on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
“The male was conveyed to a Garda Station in Co. Limerick for the purposes of providing a blood/urine evidential sample. He has since been released pending analysis of the evidential sample. The investigation is ongoing.
“The road was closed for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.
“Road users who were travelling in the vicinity of Abbey Court, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick between 3:20pm and 4:00pm on Saturday 5th September 2026 and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on (069) 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
