Scarlett Faulkner Attack: Road Closed as Gardaí Investigate Critical Injuries on R494

A young mother is fighting for her life in hospital after a brutal attack on a roadside in County Tipperary on Saturday evening. Scarlett Faulkner, in her 20s, was discovered with catastrophic head injuries on the R494 at Birdhill, prompting a major Garda investigation.

Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 5:30 pm on Saturday, finding Ms. Faulkner severely injured. She was initially treated by paramedics from the Health Service Executive (HSE) before being airlifted by Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter to University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Due to the severity of her injuries, she was subsequently transferred to the head trauma unit at Cork University Hospital, where her condition remains critical.

The R494 roadway was closed in both directions on Sunday to allow forensic investigators to conduct a thorough technical examination of the scene, which is located near the towns of Ballina and Killaloe, between Nenagh and Limerick. Gardaí are currently working on several theories regarding the assault, including the possibility that Ms. Faulkner’s car was deliberately rammed by another vehicle, and that she was then dragged from the car and attacked with weapons.

Ms. Faulkner is a respected member of a Traveller family from Limerick city, according to reports. Her family has taken to social media to appeal for prayers for her recovery. One Facebook post read, “Come on sister please you can do this. Everyone please (say a) prayer for my sister Scarlett. Love you sister.” Another post shared a poignant memory, stating, “Last time I saw you was only few nights ago…you hugged me and kissed me…you said scarlett I love you please mind yourself.” Numerous other messages pleaded for divine intervention on her behalf.

Gardaí are appealing for information from anyone who may have been travelling on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5 pm and 6 pm on Saturday, March 21st, 2026. They are specifically requesting access to any camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, that may have captured relevant events.

A Garda spokeswoman stated, “Any road users who were on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday, 21st March 2026 and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to build this footage available to investigating Gardaí.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Nenagh Garda Station at (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or their local Garda station. Investigations are ongoing.