A MAN has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run incident in Limerick over the weekend that took the life of a new mum.
Marguerita Sheridan, 22, from Rathkeale, died after a van ploughed into a set of gates she was standing beside.
Marguerita had given birth to her first child, a son, just three weeks ago.
The fatal collision occurred at the entrance to a property located in Rathkeale town centre, last Saturday afternoon.
A van believed to have been involved in the incident has been recovered by Gardai and will be subject to a technical examination.
Gardai are probing to determine whether or not the young victim was struck deliberately as part of a feud in the area.
A number of violent rammings and assaults have taken place in the town in the past few weeks.
Investigators arrested a man in his 40s today as part of the probe into the horrific death.
Hr is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Co. Limerick.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai continue to appeal for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.
“Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the Rathkeale area in Co. Limerick between 11:30am and 1:00pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Rathkeale Garda Station on 069 63222, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
The young mum died when a silver Ford Transit van struck a set of gates at the entrance to a property at Bank Place in the town at around 12.15pm, last Saturday.
The driver of the van involved did not stop to render assistance and they fled the scene in the vehicle. It’s not known if there were others in the van at the time.
Heartbroken friends paid tributes online in the aftermath of the tragic death, with one person describing her as a “beautiful, intelligent young lady”.
John Sheridan, father of the deceased, posted a poignant video of his late daughter on social media, showing Ms Sheridan preparing for her recent wedding day, along with a caption that read, “Rest in Peace Marguerita, Heaven has a special place for you sweet angel.”
Alongside a picture of his late daughter and newly born grandson, Mr Sheridan wrote: “I will be with you everyday.” Earlier he posted a family photograph including his deceased daughter and said, “My best, my baby girl, I can’t believe it, I lost my Maggie today, Rest In Peace.”
Another mourner said: “The world stopped for you Marguerita Sheridan such a beautiful person inside and out.
“My heart goes out to your baby husband and family. God took you home too soon and the world will continue to ask why.
“Looking at photos of you and videos is heartbreaking. You truly where a lady in life an you’re an angel tonight for those that loved you dearly, rest In peace forever.”
Local Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey said: “I know the family personally, they are extremely well-respected people in the Rathkeale community, and we are in complete and utter shock at this devastation which has come over our community.”
Cllr Teskey passed on his “heartfelt condolences to the family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them”.
“This is one of the saddest days and one of the darkest clouds hanging over the community in which I represent.”
Cllr Teskey said the local community was in “shock” at the young woman’s death.
He said: “There is a profound sad numbness in the area, and our thoughts and prayers are with the young woman’s family.”
Armed Garda units have been deployed to patrol Rathkeale over the Christmas period to try to prevent violence from escalating in the town.
The west County Limerick town has seen a number of violent clashes in recent days and weeks, including an attack on a male after a car was rammed, as well as an incident in which a car was rammed into an unoccupied house and the car left burnt out in the front drive of the house.
Tensions in the town have been simmering as they often do at this time of the year when the town’s population doubles with an influx of Traveling families visiting their properties and relatives.
Last year tensions again speed over resulting in several cars were rammed and weapons were produced during clashes.
Gardai had appeared to have gotten a hold on the situation last Thursday, when under the direction of Superintendent Michael Fleming, 33 people were arrested in the town.
The arrested persons were brought before Newcastle West District Court and charged following the planned garda operation in respect of outstanding warrants, ongoing criminal investigations and suspected road traffic and drugs offences.
