Public urged against vigilantism after Limerick murder

The man leading the search for the killer of Co Limerick pensioner Rose Hanrahan has warned against vigilante groups forming to exact revenge.

Supt Derek Smart advised those considering any such action to step back and let gardaí proceed with a “lawful investigation”.

“Don’t take the law into your own hands. Doing so is not going to assist us in any way,” Supt Smart said.

“People should come to us if they have information. We are following up every lead or snippet. If we are to bring those responsible to justice it has to happen within the law.”

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Ms Hanrahan (78) was found dead in her home, at New Road, Thomondgate, on December 15th. Gardaí have not commented on reports she was tied up, beaten, and strangled, during a break-in at her home.

Fr Donal McNamara, parish priest at St Munchin’s who will officiate at Ms Hanrahan’s funeral on Saturday, has also appealed for calm.

“I have never met people so angry. What’s getting to them is no one has been [arrested] yet,” he said.

Vigilantism

Fr McNamara said he had advised people “not to go down that road” of vigilantism.

“There is a lot of ill feeling, and fear. The sooner someone is caught for this, the better; for Rose’s family, for her neighbours, and for the community,” he added.

Fr McNamara said Ms Hanrahan’s family was “distraught”. “They’re trying to keep it together,” he said.

Her body was discovered in her home by her sister Helen and brother-in-law Jim Kenny.

Supt Smart said gardaí were trawling through “hundreds of hours” of CCTV footage from around the area.

Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact 061-212400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.