RIP: Toddler, 2, dies after collision in County Limerick
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
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision which has claimed the life of a two-year-old child.
The incident occurred at Abbey Court, Rathkeale, this Saturday.
The collision involving a jeep and a pedestrian occurred shortly after 3:50pm.
“The pedestrian, a male child (2) was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick by a family member for treatment of serious injuries. He was subsequently pronounced deceased. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course,” said a garda spokesperson.
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,” continued the spokesperson.
The man was conveyed to a garda station in County 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, September 5, 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.
A fun day which had been planned for the town tomorrow, Sunday, has been cancelled as a mark of respect.
“Due to very tragic circumstances in Rathkeale today and out of respect we are cancelling our Funday in the Abbey grounds tomorrow. Apologies to everyone concerned..please share to let people know,” a post on the Rathkeale News Facebook pages reads.