Machete attack on Limerick home linked to ‘obscene’ Charleville incident

AN EARLY-MORNING aggravated burglary in Patrickswell, by masked men with slash hooks, preceded an attack on a house in Charleville which left a 12-year-old child requiring surgery, Limerick Live can reveal.

The young girl was taken to Cork University Hospital with serious head injuries, it is believed, before she was transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for surgery. She is now reportedly “doing well”.

The Charleville incident occurred on Monday, August 19 at around 11.30pm at a property at Newline. 

It is believed the girl sustained the injury when an implement came through the front door when the masked raiders were trying to burst their way into the family home.

The Leader has learned that an aggravated burglary in Lisheen Park, Patrickswell on Friday morning, August 9 is believed to be connected with the attack in North Cork.

A garda spokesperson said: “At approximately 7am, a number of individuals entered a residence in Patrickswell and assaulted two occupants of the residence. 

“One of the occupants, a male in his 20s, attended University Hospital Limerick for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.”

Gardai say investigations into the aggravated burglary are ongoing.

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It is understood the perpetrators were armed with slash hooks and the victim received a severe laceration to a hand.

The incident in Charleville  is believed to be connected to what occurred in Patrickswell. 

It is not known what originally sparked the feud between the Limerick and Cork families as there is no history of trouble between them.

Authorities hope that “common sense will prevail” after a little girl was injured. 

Parish priest of Charleville, Fr Donal O'Mahony said that those involved in the alleged ongoing feud need to “find peace in God”. 

Fr O’Mahony has said that the people of Charleville pray for the full recovery of the young girl every day in Mass. 

“I think we need to redirect people towards the source of their being, which is God himself,” Fr O’Mahony said.

“We need to direct people back to Jesus himself to overcome our difficulties in humanity. 

“Jesus is sent as God's solution to all of our human problems and violence only begets more violence.”

The parish priest said that even in difficult times, it is important that people realise where they can find peace. 

“All over the world there is fierce restlessness at the moment, and people need to know where they can find the meaning in life by looking at the source of their being, which is church and God.”

Fr O'Mahony condemned the violence in the town as did Superintendent Gary McPolin, who is heading the garda investigation.

“This happened on a Monday night, it's unacceptable, inexcusable, and will not be tolerated, either by the local people or by the gardaí,” Supt McPolin said.

“The people in Charleville are completely disgusted with what’s happened in their town. It’s a very law-abiding town with very decent people who have very good relationships with the guards and vice versa,” added the superintendent.

One local described the incident as “obscene”.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact the investigation team at Mallow garda station at 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

 A garda spokesperson said this Tuesday that no further information is available at this time. 

“Investigations are ongoing,” said the garda spokesperson.

Gardai in Roxboro Road are heading up the investigation into the aggravated burglary in Patrickswell.

Anybody who has any information that may help detectives with their enquiries are asked to contact Roxboro garda station on 061 214340.