Courts / Limerick / Report

'Impeccable' garda work saw murderer with no ties to Ireland jailed for life

Summary

The Central Criminal Court sentenced Alexandru Iordache to a mandatory life term for murdering Rose Hanrahan, a vulnerable elderly widow in Thomandgate, Limerick, in December 2017. Mrs Hanrahan's niece, Avril Kenny, thanked the Limerick Gardai for their meticulous investigation, citing the work of Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, Superintendent Dermot O'Connor, Inspector Jimmy Ruddle, Detective Enda Haugh and Garda Loretta Cregan. She praised the prosecution team, including Senior Counsel Anne‑Marie Lawlor and State solicitor Catherine Fanning, and the wider Limerick community for their support. Superintendent O'Connor highlighted the extensive national and international cooperation, including assistance from Romanian and UK police, Interpol and Europol, which helped secure the conviction. The sentencing was described as a relief for the family, ensuring Iordache will never be able to harm anyone again. The court's decision was seen as a closure for the community that had mourned Rose Hanrahan's loss.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Impeccable' garda work saw murderer with no ties to Ireland jailed for life. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-07-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report