A nine-year-old girl stood trembling in the chaos of the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow town, her leg wounded as terrified shoppers fled the sound of gunfire on a quiet Sunday evening. The vibrant retail hub, typically filled with families and weekend browsers, became a scene of panic and confusion as a lone gunman unleashed a barrage of shots inside the Tesco supermarket around 6:15 PM on June 1, 2025. The incident left one man dead and the young girl injured, shaking a close-knit community where such violence is rare. As the child received treatment from paramedics, her survival offered a glimmer of hope amid a tragedy that has left Carlow reeling.
The Garda Síochána responded swiftly, with local officers and the Armed Support Unit descending on the shopping centre to secure the area. Emergency services, including the Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service and the National Ambulance Service, worked to evacuate hundreds of people from the premises. A helicopter was seen hovering overhead, and a large cordon was established around the shopping centre and its car park, which will remain in place overnight. The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called in as a precaution after authorities discovered a suspicious device, possibly explosive or flammable, attached to the deceased suspect. The man, identified only as a white Irish adult male, is believed to have fired multiple shots toward the ceiling of the Tesco store before running outside and fatally shooting himself. His body remains at the scene, pending clearance from the bomb squad to ensure the area is safe.
The young girl, whose injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening, was treated at the scene and later taken to St. Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny for further care. Authorities have not yet determined whether her injury was caused by a gunshot or the chaos of the evacuation, as frightened shoppers scrambled for safety. Witnesses described hearing “popping sounds” and “loud shouts” as the incident unfolded, with some initially mistaking the noise for something less sinister. One local man, who chose not to be named, recounted the terror of the moment, saying he could not make out what was being shouted but felt the weight of fear in the air. The swift actions of security personnel and shoppers, who called emergency services from their mobile phones, helped bring the situation under control by 7:30 PM.
Gardaí have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety, but the investigation is far from over. They are appealing to the public not to share videos or images of the incident on social media, as such footage could compromise the investigation. Instead, anyone with information or recordings is urged to contact Carlow Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line. The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, expressed his shock and sadness, calling the incident a “very serious and traumatic” event for the Carlow community. He urged anyone with information to come forward to assist the Gardaí. Similarly, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris voiced deep concern, particularly for the injured child and those who witnessed the harrowing event. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan echoed these sentiments, describing the shooting as a “shocking incident” and reaffirming that gun violence remains rare in Ireland, a reality he is determined to preserve.
The Fairgreen Shopping Centre, a bustling retail destination in Carlow, now stands silent, its doors sealed as Gardaí conduct a thorough investigation. Local councillor Fergal Browne captured the community’s disbelief, noting the shock of such a disturbance occurring on a bank holiday weekend. As Carlow grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on supporting those affected and uncovering the circumstances that led to this tragedy. The Garda Síochána has promised further updates as the investigation progresses, while the people of Carlow hold their breath, hoping for answers and healing in the days ahead.