'Only a baby': Boy, 2, killed in horror collision had just started preschool
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
THE LITTLE boy who lost his life in a collision in Limerick on Saturday has been named locally as Peter Mulcaire.
The two-year-old started preschool just six days ago.
“My Baby Boy Off To Preschool,” his proud mother Kerrie Mulcaire posted on Facebook with photos of the beaming blond-haired child with his school bag on his back.
Behind him was a balloon display specifically designed for the little boy with the words “Peter’s first day of preschool 2026”.
Peter died on Saturday in a collision involving a jeep at Abbey Court, Rathkeale shortly after 3:50pm. It is understood Peter was playing at the time.
He was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of serious injuries. He was subsequently pronounced deceased. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) was been appointed to support the family of the deceased. Peter was one of three children.
Tributes have been pouring in for the little boy since news of the tragedy broke with people offering their love and support to his parents, brother and sister.
“I never in my life seen sadder, only a baby, a little angel to good for this cruel world god help his mother & father & Family at this cruel time my heart goes out to you Kerrie Mulcaire,” penned one mourner.
“R.i.p baby boy no mother should ever have to feel that pain, plese mind yr mommy and daddy a beautiful little boy taken to heaven way before his time a little angle god help de broken hearted,” wrote another.
“Rest in peace beautiful Angel Peter, so heartbreaking. My heart breaks for you Kerrie Mulcaire, Jim and both yer families, please god mind ye all through this hard time,” reads another tribute.
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.
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, 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.