The father of four-year-old Tadgh Farrell, who was killed with his grand-aunt in the firebombing of a house in Edenderry has been denied compassionate bail to attend his son's funeral.

Fr Greg Corcoran said the community was “gathering with broken hearts” and “carrying a grief that’s just too heavy”.

Aaron Holt, who is awaiting sentence for serious drug offences, made an urgent appeal before Mullingar Criminal Criminal Court this afternoon.