The limerick leader of urgent appeals is the search for witnesses after Scarlett Faulkner, a mother in her 20s, was left critically ill following a roadside assault at about 5: 30pm ET on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the R494 outside Birdhill village in County Tipperary. Gardaí say Ms Faulkner suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick before being transferred to Cork University Hospital, where she remains critically ill. Investigators are asking the public for information about two vehicles they believe were used in the incident and for any video evidence.
Limerick Leader: Key facts and investigation status
Gardaí have identified the victim as Scarlett Faulkner, a mother-of-one in her 20s and a member of a family from the Traveller community from Limerick city. Officers are looking to question a number of men and women in connection with the serious assault, which left Ms Faulkner with severe head injuries after an attack at the roadside.
Video footage circulating online shows several men and women armed with objects that appear to be a hatchet and a sword attacking two women, including Ms Faulkner. Gardaí closed the R494 at Birdhill and carried out a forensic examination of the scene on Sunday. Investigators are working on several theories, including that the woman may have been travelling in a car that was rammed by a group in another vehicle, dragged from the vehicle and attacked at the side of the road.
The investigation team is specifically seeking information about the movements of two vehicles. A Garda spokeswoman said: “In particular, gardaí are seeking information on the movements of two vehicles, a grey 162 Ford Transit van and a blue 161 Volkswagen Touran people carrier, travelling in convoy or driving dangerously between 4. 30pm and 5. 30pm on Saturday 21st March 2026 in and around Birdhill village, the townlands of Cooleen, Crag Cross, Shower Cross, Kylebeg, Annaholty and Thornhill, all in Co Tipperary. ” The spokeswoman added: “Gardaí are aware of video footage of the incident circulating online and ask members of the public not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to investigating gardaí. “
Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda station on 50450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Immediate reactions from officials and family
Niall Collins, Limerick Fianna Fáil TD, called the attack “truly shocking” and said: “It’s truly concerning and people are asking the question, what happened here. How could such a brutal incident happen on a public road in the middle of the day?” He appealed “to anybody who has information to please contact the gardaí. ” Members of Ms Faulkner’s family have posted on social media asking for prayers for her recovery.
Quick context and next steps
The assault took place on a public road outside Birdhill at about 5: 30pm ET on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Gardaí have conducted forensic work at the scene and say they are continuing to investigate the attack and to follow multiple lines of inquiry.
What’s next
Investigators will continue forensic examinations and are prioritizing recovery of any video footage and witness statements tied to movements between 4: 30pm and 5: 30pm ET on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Gardaí have asked anyone with relevant footage or information to contact the numbers provided; the public appeal is likely to remain active as officers seek to identify and question those involved while Ms Faulkner continues to receive treatment at Cork University Hospital. The limerick leader of this inquiry is the call for witnesses and for the public to hand footage directly to investigators rather than circulating it online.
