The man charged in connection with the death of an Irish emigrant in Australia is also Irish, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
Kenny Meyler (21) died in Perth, western Australia a week after suffering a stab wound to the neck.
The Sir Charles Gairdner hospital confirmed that Mr Meyler died shortly after midnight local time on Sunday (4pm Saturday Irish time).
Mr Meyler was stabbed in the neck with a large carving knife at a house in Helmsley Street, in the coastal suburb of Scarborough on the afternoon of February 10th.
His mother, Melanie, and two other relatives arrived in Perth last Tuesday. They were met by a family friend and police, who took them to the hospital. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been providing consular assistance to the Meyler family.
Vincent Martin Crowe (32) who has been charged with intent to do grievous bodily harm was remanded by Perth Magistrates’ Court to appear before the court later this month.
Detectives from Mirrabooka police station have called for assistance from anyone who may have seen something occurring at the location where Mr Meyler was allegedly assaulted.
A person who contacted a police line is believed to have recorded some of the events on their phone.
It is believed Mr Meyler was due to return home to Wexford in the coming months.
Prior to emigrating to Australia two years ago Mr Meyler boxed for the Wexford CBS Boxing Club in the town.
During a short career with the club, he was known as a dedicated trainer who met with some success on the county scene in the novice grades.
Club trainer Eddie Bolger spoke of his shock on hearing of the news. “It’s devastating for the family, his friends and everyone who knew him. I knew him in the club but he was more into the training end than competitive boxing.”
Mr Meyler’s grandfather Joe Moloney said yesterday he felt sadness for Mr Crowe’s parents.
“We have lost a beautiful grandson, a grandson whom the whole family adored. It’s a difficult and traumatic time for all of us.
“We have to say our heartfelt thanks for the way the police in Australia and the hospital authorities have looked after both of them and also the marvellous work they carried out in attending to Kenny.”
The family in a statement said Mr Meyler had a “lust for adventure”.
“Shortly before Kenny passed away the telephone was held to his ear when his grandmother Phyllis said her final goodbye – ‘You’re my number one grandson and always will be,” said the statement on behalf of the Moloney family. Some of Kenny’s friends who were with him in Perth have returned home to Wexford. “They were unable to cope,” Mr Moloney said.