Gardaí are refusing to rule out the possibility that members of both Thurles and 
Limerick families are involved in incidents which have elderly residents in Rathdowney, (situated close to the Tipperary border) living in justifiable fear.
Recent unprecedented incidents of crime which include arson, guns being discharged, street altercations and numerous burglaries in the area have rocked the small town and left locals expressing deep shock.
Gardaí are currently conducting an investigation following a suspected arson attack in Rathdowney, which left a rural home completely gutted. Gardaí were called to a fire in a rural secluded house during the early hours of last week. The house was rented by two local men in their mid-20s. No person was injured at the scene and no arrests were made, however there were also reports of gunshots being fired at the scene of the house fire, in which a car was targeted.
Just hours earlier, the previous night, there had also been a serious altercation in the middle of the town, when gardaí ordered the seizure and removal of a vehicle with no tax or insurance. This physical altercation did not involve gardaí, but was between the removal operator and the occupants of the car being seized.
Numerous men were arrested and later released by gardaí, however one local male in his mid 20’s, with an outstanding warrant, is now being detained at the Midland’s Prison.
Gardaí now believe these incidents are all connected and the shooting and arson attack are linked to three recent burglaries in the Conoboro, Rathdowney area along with other reported attempted burglaries. Investigations are continuing.
If the criminals are caught they don’t get, really punished.They get a BONUS. Gaol for a short while,
includes free bed, grub and television ETC.