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20 Sept 2025

'Horrific'- Family home petrol bombed in 'senseless act' of violence that kills pet dog

A family in Dublin lost everything, including their dog, in an arson attack that was supposed to target another house. Thousands of euro has been raised for the family on GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet

'Horrific'- Family home petrol bombed in 'senseless act' of violence that kills pet dog

Family home petrol bombed in 'senseless act' of violence that kills pet dog

Reporter:

Rachel Kavanagh

31 Jul 2025 11:33 AM

A family from Dublin are slowly recovering from an arson attack that tragically burned their family home down and took the life of their beloved dog.
The Curren family were victims of an arson attack they described as "a horrific and senseless act of violence".
At about 2:20am one night in May, the family said that a firebomb was thrown through their window in a case of mistaken identity. "This attack wasn’t meant for us but we are now living with the devastating consequence".
The family created a GoFundMe to share their story and raise funds after losing their house, belongings and their family pet.
The GoFundMe described how the father, Patrick Curran, was asleep on the couch when the firebomb came through the window. "If he hadn’t been there to wake up and raise the alarm, my mother, Breda Curran, and my brother Luke would likely have died in the fire. That thought haunts us," The GoFundMe said.
"My dad is an artist, and the fire also destroyed many of his original paintings, materials, and years of creative work—gone in moments. And to make matters worse, the house was uninsured, leaving no safety net to recover from the devastation".
Now displaced, the family ha since been trying to pick up the pieces.
The GoFundMe has currently collected over €56,000 and is close to reaching their goal of €65,000.
READ NEXT: Sickening video circulates of garda stabbing in Dublin amid major update
In an update posted at the start of June, the family said, "It’s been two weeks since the firebomb destroyed our home. It’s been incredibly tough, especially losing our dog Zach, we’re doing the best we can. With help from friends, neighbours, and family, we’ve stripped the house back completely—everything had to go. It’s a start".

"The first week was the hardest: grief, shock, and loss. But what keeps us going is the kindness around us. Your messages and support have reminded us we’re not alone. We’re deeply grateful to every single person who has helped. We’ll never forget it.

"We still have a long road ahead, but the support so far has made a difference. While we know how lucky we are to have come this far, getting fully back on our feet will take time. Every bit of support helps, and we’re moving in the right direction. Thank you for walking it with us".

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