The young boy who was killed in a hit and run in Limerick over the weekend had just started pre-school earlier in the week.

Two-year-old Peter Mulcaire died after he was struck by a jeep in Rathkeale, Co Limerick on Saturday afternoon.

The tragedy unfolded at 3.50pm, and the little boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

A statement from An Garda Síochána confirmed that the vehicle involved in the fatality did not remain at the scene.

A man in his 30s was later arrested at a separate location on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

He was taken to a Garda station in Co Limerick to provide a blood or urine sample and has since been released while the sample is analysed.

Gardaí say investigations are continuing.

It has now emerged that little Peter had begun a new chapter in his life just days before his death.

He had started pre-school on Monday, August 31.

Proud mum Kerrie Mulcaire took to social media with photos of the little boy who beamed for the camera, with his school bag on his back.

‘My baby boy off to preschool,’ Kerrie wrote alongside the photos of Peter posing in front of a balloon for the occasion.

On Sunday, a family fun day in Rathkeale was cancelled out of respect for the Mulcaire family.

Organisers confirmed the news, writing online: ‘Due to very tragic circumstances in Rathkeale today and out of respect, we are cancelling our funday in the Abbey grounds tomorrow, apologies to everyone concerned.

Gardaí are now appealing for witnesses to come forward. The force are looking to speak to those in particular who were in the Abbey Court area of Rathkeale between 3.20pm and 4pm on Saturday.

Anyone with information can contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.