Two-Year-Old Peter Mulcaire Remembered as a Ray of Sunshine at Emotional Rathkeale Funeral

A Rathkeale community gathered in grief this week to say goodbye to two-year-old Peter Mulcaire, who died after being struck by a 4×4 vehicle outside his family home in Abbey Court.

The collision happened shortly after 3:50 p.m. on September 5, 2026, as Peter was outside near his home. Gardaí said the vehicle involved did not remain at the scene. Peter suffered serious injuries and was taken to University Hospital Limerick by a family member, where he was later pronounced dead.

Gardaí launched an investigation into the fatal hit-and-run and appealed to witnesses and motorists who may have been in the area between approximately 3:20 p.m. and 4 p.m. Investigators also asked anyone with dashcam, doorbell or other security-camera footage to come forward.

A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested at another location on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Gardaí clarified that he was taken to a station to provide an evidential blood or urine sample and was later released pending analysis. The arrest and investigation do not establish guilt, and no conviction has been reported.

As the investigation continued, Peter’s family and friends gathered to remember the little boy. On September 8, mourners paid their respects at Cross’s Funeral Home in Limerick, with many wearing pink shirts bearing Peter’s photograph and the words “Forever 2.”

Peter’s funeral Mass was held at St Mary’s Church in Rathkeale on September 9. His parents, Kerrie and James, his brother Jim and baby sister Delilah were among those mourning him.

Father Eamonn Fitzgibbon described Peter as his family’s “sunshine”, saying his smile could brighten any room. He remembered the toddler as playful and full of energy, adding that Peter had quickly become part of his new preschool community after recently starting school.

Peter’s love of animals was also remembered during the service. His favorite book was said to be Noah’s Ark, and he loved animals including the family’s dogs and ponies. His favorite songs, “You Are My Sunshine” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” were played during the emotional ceremony.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, Peter’s baby sister, Delilah, was baptized during the same funeral Mass so that Peter could remain part of the family ceremony.

After the service, Peter’s small coffin was carried to a waiting carriage drawn by four white horses before the procession continued to New Cemetery in Rathkeale. The funeral brought together relatives, friends, school communities and local residents who had been deeply affected by his sudden death.

For a community still trying to understand the loss, the funeral offered a final opportunity to celebrate Peter’s short life. He was remembered not only for the tragedy surrounding his death, but as a joyful little boy whose smile, love of animals and playful spirit had left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Source: The Sun