Man dead, army bomb disposal team called to Carlow shopping centre

Emergency services near to the scene at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre, in Carlow town, where an incident has taken place. Picture date: Sunday June 1, 2025.

A man has died following a shooting incident at a shopping centre in Carlow town on Sunday evening. 

Shortly after 6:15pm gardaí were alerted following reports of a firearm discharge at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre. 

Gardaí are currently at the scene, with the shopping centre and adjoining car park cordoned off. The cordon will remain in place overnight. 

The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was also requested to attend the scene. 

Gardaí have confirmed that the deceased is a white Irish man. The Irish Examiner understands that his wounds were self-inflicted. 

Emergency services near to the scene at Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow, where an incident has taken place. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Gardaí also confirmed that a young girl has received treatment from paramedics following the incident, but say that she "did not require hospital care."  It is undetermined at this time how her injuries were sustained.

Gardaí are urging anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident, not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps.  Instead, they are asked to provide it to gardaí at Carlow Garda Station. 

Several far-right accounts on 'X' inaccurately referred to as many as seven fatalities in the immediate aftermath of the incident. 

A Garda spokesperson said: "Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111." 

Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan, has expressed solidarity with those impacted this evening. 

Shell casings next to a blanket covering a body at the scene at Fairgreen Shopping centre, Carlow, where a man is understood to have died following a shooting incident. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

He said: “This was a really shocking incident. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the shooting and the community and families impacted including those working at the scene. 

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to speak to the Gardaí and help with their investigations in any way that they can. 

“This is something we never want or expect to happen in our communities. 

Gun violence is very rare in Ireland, and I am determined that will remain the case. 

“The area in Carlow is safe. We must now allow An Garda Síochána to investigate this incident fully.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also said he was "deeply shocked and saddened".

"My thoughts are with the families affected and the local community in Carlow after what was a very serious and traumatic incident."

"I urge anyone who has information to speak to the Gardaí."

While Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said he was “deeply concerned” to hear of the incident and that his thoughts were with the young child who was injured.

“I am also thinking of all those who witnessed this situation and the awful shock and upset it must have caused them. I know their families and communities will rally to support them.” 

The Táinaise has also been in touch with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in relation this incident and the assistance the Defence Forces are providing.

“It’s important now that our Gardaí can carry out this investigation thoroughly,” he added.