QIH condemn attack at manager's home
A father of two said he is “grateful no one was killed” after his car was set alight outside his Butlersbridge home earlier this week.
Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) has confirmed to The Anglo-Celt yesterday afternoon that an attack had occurred at the home of Dara O’Reilly, Chief Financial Officer, at around 11pm on Wednesday, October 17.
The attack, it's understood, occurred shortly after Mr OReilly and his wife and two young children had retired for the night at their home near Butlersbridge.
A person entered the property and doused the O'Reillys' family car with an accelerant before torching the vehicle.
The car had been parked within feet of the rear of family home, and below the bedroom windows. The rear of the home also sustained some damage from the intense heat of the burning vehicle, but further damage was contained by the prompt action of the local Fire Service who were immediately called to the scene. Gardai also attendaned and a criminal investigation is now underway.
A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana confirmed to the Celt they investigating an incident of criminal damage, adding that the scene has been examined by Garda Crime Scene Examiners and the investigation in “ongoing”.
Commenting on the latest act of intimidation, Mr O’Reilly said he and his family are “still in shock”, but that the “overriding emotion is one of relief that we all managed to get out safely and of appreciation to the emergency services whose speed of response saved our home”.
QIH chairman, Adrian Barden meanwhile described the incident as “beyond the pale and a shocking attack on Mr O’Reilly’s family and on a peaceful and hardworking community.”
He said the company had previously warned that a continuation of such attacks could result in injuries or fatalities, and again called on those with “influence or knowledge of those engaged” in the criminal actions to speak out.
“Notwithstanding this intimidation QIH reaffirms our commitment to continuing investment and growth in the region, assisted by the incredible support and commitment of our 830 locally based staff.”