Gardaí questioning two men after fatal stabbing

Gardaí are questioning two men after a 31-year-old man was stabbed to death when a row broke out at a house party in Co Limerick late on Thursday.

Shane Murphy from Lee Estate, Limerick, suffered fatal injuries at the house in The Grove estate in Pallasgreen shortly after 11pm on Thursday.

A 34-year-old woman, originally from Limerick city, who lived at the address, was taken to University Hospital Limerick along with another man. They were treated for minor injuries and later discharged.

A number of people were drinking in the house when the row broke out. “It would seem there was a party and everything was going fine until suddenly some words were exchanged - it was more of a goading than anything else,” said one source. “It was mayhem in the house when the gardai arrived.”

Gardaí and the emergency services were alerted at about 11.20pm after a 999 call was made from the scene.

Two men aged 20 and 32 were arrested at the house and are being held at Henry Street Garda station in Limerick under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

State Pathologist Marie Cassidy travelled to the scene to conduct a post mortem at University Hospital Limerick.

It is believed the victim suffered a number of stab wounds. Investigating officers have dismissed reports the victim was fatally injured after he intervened in a row between a man and a woman.

“The motivation has not been established for this murder as of yet,” said Chief Supt Dave Sheahan.

“We are awaiting the results of the post mortem which will dictate the further direction of the investigation.”

The Grove estate is a council estate in Pallasgreen, about 25km from Limerick city.

Local people said they were shocked a man had been killed on their doorsteps. One person said there were always people coming and going from the house and parties were a common occurrence. The semi-detached house beside the one where the stabbing occurred is boarded up.

One neighbour said: “I was in watching a film on TV last night. The first inkling I got that something was wrong was when I saw the lights of ambulances – there were three or four of them – and a lot of police cars. Then more and more people started coming out of their houses. It is a very peaceful estate. There is hardly ever any trouble.”

A local woman said she had a passing acquaintance with the victim. “I never spoke to him but he would always salute me. He has been coming to the estate for about the last four months,” she said.

“I can’t believe this is after happening here. My head is bursting. It is unbelievable.”

Gardaí­ are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Bruff garda station on 061 382940, the Garda confidential line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.