Gardaí investigate after body found with stab wounds in Sligo

Remains of man (59), found in apartment on Holborn Street on Monday afternoon

An inquiry has started after a 59-year-old man was found dead with stab wounds in his Sligo apartment yesterday.

The man was named locally as Matt Kivlehan, a well-known musician.

His body was discovered at his home in Holborn Street, Sligo, at 1pm.

Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis attended the scene.

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A Garda spokesman said the man had a knife wound and a knife was found close to the scene.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, which is currently being preserved for a technical and forensic examination.

The investigation is ongoing. Gardaí said they would await the results of a postmortem before deciding how to proceed with the investigation.

‘A nice man’

Local Sligo county councillor Séamus O’Boyle (PBP) said he had known Mr Kivlehan for 30 years.

“He was a nice man, very well thought of in the Forthill area,” Cllr O’Boyle said.

“Locals are shocked especially if the reports of the circumstances of his death are true.

“He was known very locally. Everyone knew Matt and everyone liked him.

Mr Kivlehan was a tradesman who played banjo in local pubs.

He lived on his own.

“He was from a very well-respected family and he was well-respected.

“He was a very inoffensive man, a very talented man,” added Cllr O’Boyle.

It is believed the alarm was raised by a person who called to the man’s home where he lived alone.

Holborn Street, one of the oldest streets in Sligo, is close to the town centre and is best known for its connections with comic writer Spike Milligan whose father Leo was born there.

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times

Marese McDonagh

Marese McDonagh

Marese McDonagh, a contributor to The Irish Times, reports from the northwest of Ireland