Case Explained: Major Garda investigation continues into brutal Birdhill assault – Legal Perspective

A young Limerick mother is fighting for her life after a roadside assault near Birdhill.

The family of Scarlett Faulkner, who is in her 20s, are asking people to pray for her recovery after she was assaulted by a group of people on Saturday evening.

She is being treated at the head trauma unit at Cork University Hospital and remains in a critical condition.

Footage of the assault is circulating online, with Gardaí urging people not to share it.

Investigators want to speak to road users who travelled between the old N7 and the M7 early on Saturday evening, particularly anyone who saw a grey 162 reg Ford Transit van or a blue 161 Volkswagen people carrier in the area.

Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick City Willie O’Dea says the attack is shocking.

“Even by standards some of which have happened locally it is a very brutal, very public type crime. I do know some members of the victims family. I’ve no idea about the background of this but what I do know is that this was a very vicious attack. It took place in daylight near a very busy service station obviously in very public view.”

Local priest in Birdhill Father John O’Keeffe says his thoughts are with Scarlett’s family.

“This is a very quiet community. I believe that the people involved are actually from Limerick. Obviously the people here in Birdhill and the surrounding areas have their thoughts and prayers with the family at this time.”

An incident room has been set up at Nenagh Garda Station – anyone with information is asked to contact 067 50450.