BREAKING: 'Community on edge' after masked armed man attempts to break into house in Laois

A masked armed man allegedly tried to break into a house occupied by a woman who was home alone in Laois yesterday. 

Laois Sinn Féin Cathaoirleach, Aaron Kelly, said he was deeply concerned over the incident which occurred on Tuesday evening. 

“I am deeply concerned following a disturbing attempted incident reported in the Graiguecullen area near St Clare’s Church, where a masked individual reportedly entered a family garden and was preparing to enter a home where a lady was home alone, while armed with a knife,” said Mr Kelly. 

He said the incident, which occurred at approximately 5.45pm on Tuesday evening, has left a local family badly shaken and highlights the “very real fear” now being felt by many residents across Graiguecullen and wider Laois communities. 

According to Mr Kelly, only the timely arrival and quick reaction of family members prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome. 

It’s understood the masked armed intruder made off on foot when family members arrived home on Tuesday evening. 

Speaking following the incident Mr Kelly said: “This is a shocking and deeply unsettling incident that has understandably left a family traumatised and an entire community on edge. Unfortunately, it reflects what many people in Graiguecullen and across Laois are telling me regularly – that crime and anti-social behaviour are on the rise, and people no longer feel safe in their own homes.”

“An Garda Síochána have been notified and are currently seeking CCTV and doorbell footage from nearby homes. I am urging anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward and assist the investigation,” he said.

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“Community cooperation is vital, but it cannot replace the need for adequate Garda resources, visible policing, and preventative measures. People should not have to rely on luck or quick reactions to stay safe.”

He urged residents to take practical precautions where possible.  “People should ensure doors and windows are locked, both at home and in their vehicles, as we have also seen a spate of burglaries in the past few months around Graiguecullen and Killeshin. Please look out for elderly neighbours or those who are more vulnerable in your locality also. While it is deeply regrettable to have to say this, it is a necessary step given the level of fear many families are experiencing.”

In addition, Mr Kelly called for urgent action from Laois and Carlow County Councils in relation to street lighting around Graigue, particularly in areas where lighting is poor or inadequate. 

“Dark streets and poorly lit estates create opportunities for criminal behaviour and heighten fear among residents. I am calling on both Laois and Carlow County Councils to work together to urgently identify lighting blackspots in Graiguecullen and to act without delay. I have launched my own public street lighting survey on my social media accounts this morning and will be sharing the results with the Councils to help identify areas of concern around public lighting in Graigue,” said Mr Kelly

He said “everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and community. I will continue to raise these concerns with the relevant authorities and push for increased Garda visibility, improved lighting, and real action to tackle crime before someone is seriously harmed.”

He encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity immediately to An Garda Síochána.

The Leinster Express/Laois Live contacted Gardaí in relation to the incident.  

“Gardaí received a report of an alleged incident that occurred at approximately 5:45pm on Tuesday, 20th of January 2026 on the Killeshin Road in Graiguecullen, Co. Carlow.

Investigations are ongoing at this time,” they stated.