Fear stalks streets of busy market town

THERE is a growing sense of fear in Midleton with parents worried the killer may strike again.

The murder of Robert Holohan brought normal life to a halt in the busy market town.

On the streets, people huddled together in conversation while shops were left half-deserted.

The realisation that the body of the 11-year-old schoolboy who went missing 10 days ago, had been found in dense undergrowth was sinking home.

As counsellors were brought in to comfort Robert’s classmates in Midleton CBS primary school, many locals stopped to say prayers in the Holy Rosary Church.

People on the town’s main street expressed fear that his killers were still on the loose.

“Anyone who has children will worry,” said Joan O’Farrell, a middle-aged shopper. “It’s absolutely awful. You have to pity the family.”

Mary Crowley, the manager of a local wedding accessories shop, said parents were frightened.

“If their kids are in town, they’re holding them by the hand. I’m 23 and I’ve never seen Midleton like this in my life. There’s hardly anyone in town.”

There were reports of children who were unable to sleep and other who refused to leave their houses.

Robert Holohan lived with his parents in a two-storey house in Ballyedmond, just outside Midleton.

The town, which has a population of around 17,000, provided many of the volunteers who spent thousands of hours searching woods, lakes and ditches for the young schoolboy.

Building sites closed down for the day and local businesses gave staff the day off to join the search.

Mrs Crowley, who spent two days on the search with her husband, said no one had given up hope until the last moment.

“Everyone’s hopes were shattered yesterday. No one cold ever imagine what has happened to Midleton. I don’t think the town will ever be the same.”

She said it had made her reconsider her most fundamental attitudes.

“I’m newly married since August but after this happening, you’d wonder is it worth bringing kids into the world?”

Many businesses in the town are expected to shut down when the schoolboy’s funeral takes place.

Billy Higgins, a local man talking to his friend outside the local Bank of Ireland branch, struggled to contain his outrage at those responsible for Robert’s death.

“They’re the scum of society, they’re despicable. I think they should bring back capital punishment,” he said.