THE GARDA LEADING the search for the killer of pensioner Rosie Hanrahan has warned against vigilante groups forming to exact their own personal revenge for Rosie’s brutal killing.
Superintendent Derek Smart advised those considering it to step back, and let gardaí proceed with a “lawful investigation”.
Rosie Hanrahan, 78, was found dead in her home, at New Road, Thomondgate, last Friday, 15 December.
Her body was discovered by her sister Helen and brother-in-law Jim Kenny, last Friday.
No arrests have yet been made, however, all available garda resources are working around the clock to bring those responsible to justice.
Warning against vigilante groups, Smart said: “Don’t take the law into your own hands. Doing so is not going to assist us in any way.
“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.
Father Donal McNamara, who will officiate at Rosie’s funeral on Saturday, had also appealed for calm in the seething community.
“I have never met people so angry. What’s getting to them is no one has been [arrested] yet,” he said.
Father McNamara said he has personally 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 Rosie’s family, for her neighbours, and for the community. There is an awful lot of anger about the place,” he said.
I knew Rosie well. This is awful, just desperate.
Fr McNamara said Rosie’s family were “distraught” and that “they’re trying to keep it together”.
Search for killer
Every available garda in the division is involved in the Hanrahan murder probe.
All day today, gardaí maintained a checkpoint outside Rosie’s home, where they recorded vehicle licence plates, and sought out dash cam footage from motorists who may have travelled through along New Road, Thomondgate, between Thursday and Friday of last week.
Smart said officers were trawling through “hundreds of hours” of CCTV footage from around the area.
Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact 061 212 400, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
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