Calls for a resolution to feud in Rathkeale after houses torched in the town

CALLS have been made for a resolution to be found to a feud between rival families in Rathkeale.

Four homes were torched in the town in the early hours of Friday morning with one of the properties completely gutted in the blaze.

A garda spokesperson confirmed officers received a report of a number of incidents of criminal damage by fire that occurred to properties in Rathkeale on Friday, May 2.

“No injuries were reported. Investigations are ongoing,” said a garda spokesperson.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Niall Collins and local councillors - Adam Teskey and Ger Ward - walked the streets of Rathkeale on Saturday morning and spoke to locals.

Mr Collins said the town’s residents are upset and concerned.

“People believe the arson attacks are part of the feud. There must be a resolution to the feud. It is not fair on the extended families of those involved or the local community,” said Mr Collins.

He called on people in the local community who have knowledge of the arson attacks to pass it onto gardai to assist them in bringing the perpetrators before the courts.

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Cllr Teskey said what occurred under the cloak of darkness on Friday morning was “reprehensible”.

“People have to be brought to justice in a manner fitting of the State. Law and order of the State must prevail at all times.

“I would urge anyone to deter from taking the law into their own hands and that is exactly what we are seeing happening here,” said Cllr Teskey.

The Fine Gael councillor said they have a fantastic superintendent (Michael Fleming) and gardai but they need more resources.

“It was promised by the acting Minister of Justice and now Tanaiste, Simon Harris, when he visited Rathkeale in December 2022 following the major ramming incident.

“It is all good to talk about this but talk needs to turn into action. This has to stop, law and order has to be restored and gardai have to be sufficiently resourced,” said Cllr Teskey.