'Farmers have sold off machinery to pay drug debts' - how gangs use violence and sexual coercion to sow fear in rural Ireland

"The deaths of two innocent people in Edenderry, Co Offaly, last weekend have highlighted the deadly threat that organised crime gangs pose to communities in rural towns around the country."

"Tadgh Farrell (4) and his grand-aunt Mary Holt (60) died after two hooded figures hurled a petrol bomb through the living room window of the family home in Castleview Park last Saturday night."

Tadgh Farrell, aged four, and his grand-aunt Mary Holt, aged 60, died after a petrol bomb was thrown into their family home in Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co Offaly. Two hooded figures hurled the incendiary device through the living-room window late on Saturday night. Both victims were innocent and died as a result of the attack. The incident occurred in a rural town and underscores the lethal capabilities of organised crime gangs. The attack demonstrates the vulnerability of families and communities in small towns to violent reprisals and targeted criminal actions. Authorities face urgent pressure to address community safety.

Read at Independent