A two-year-old boy has died after being struck by a vehicle in a devastating hit-and-run in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, just days after his mother shared heartbreaking photos celebrating his first day at pre-school.
Little Peter Mulcaire, believed to be from Rathkeale, was rushed to University Hospital Limerick by a family member following the collision on Saturday afternoon, September 5. Despite efforts to save him, the toddler was pronounced dead a short time later.
The tragedy has left Peter’s family and the local community devastated, with tributes pouring in for the young child described as “beautiful.”
Photo of Peter Mulcaire ahead of his first day at pre-school(Image: Facebook)
Toddler struck by Jeep before driver fled
The collision happened on Abbey Court in Rathkeale shortly after 3:50pm.
Gardaí said the vehicle involved, described as a Jeep, did not remain at the scene and was later located at another location. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
He was brought to a Garda station in Co. Limerick, where he provided an evidential blood or urine sample. Gardaí said he was subsequently released pending analysis of the sample.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The road was closed while Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out a technical examination of the scene.
Gardai later arrested a man in connection with the incident (stock) (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Heartbreaking photos shared days before Peter’s death
The tragedy is particularly heartbreaking for Peter’s family because his mother, Kerrie, had only recently shared photographs of her little boy ahead of a major milestone.
In the images, Peter can be seen smiling brightly beside a balloon bearing the words “Peter’s first day of pre-school.”
The photographs had been shared just days before the fatal collision, capturing what should have been the beginning of a happy new chapter in the toddler’s life.
Following news of his death, mourners took to social media to pay tribute.
One person wrote: “This world can be so cruel at times.”
Another said: “Rest in perfect peace to this beautiful boy.”
Gardaí appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage
A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to support Peter’s grieving family.
Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or may have captured the incident on camera to come forward.
Road users who were in the area around Abbey Court, Rathkeale, between 3:20pm and 4:00pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, and who may have dashcam or other relevant footage, are being asked to make it available to investigators.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The investigation is continuing as Peter’s family faces the heartbreaking loss of their young son, whose first days at pre-school should have marked the start of a joyful new chapter.