NEW YORK police are looking for a 25-year-old white male in connection with the stabbing to death of Francis White last Tuesday.
Det Richard Arbacas of the 112th police precinct in Queens, said police had a good description of the man who was forcibly evicted from the bar twice just before attacking Mr White.
The detective said Mr White was drinking with friends in the bar when the suspect came in, appearing to be drunk and disorderly. He was refused service by the barman, Mr Tom Shannon.
The man was thrown out of the bar, but returned five minutes later and threatened to reverse his car into the bar if he was not given drink.
Mr White left the bar about five minutes after the man was forced to leave for the second time, and an altercation between the two ensued in the street, according to witnesses.
"Mr White was stabbed in the neck, back and arm. His carotid artery was severed and he bled to death in the street," said Det Arbacas.
The suspect was not a regular customer, he was just passing by and obviously wanted to cause trouble, said Mr Jimmy O'Hanlon, owner of the bar.
"He looked like he was high on something when he came in, and Tom wouldn't serve him."
According to Mr O'Hanlon and other witnesses, the man who stabbed Mr White dropped his wallet during the attack, and they said police subsequently identified him.
Det Arbacas acknowledged he had a particular suspect in mind.
"The whole bar saw what happened and the police have a good description of the man and his car as well," said Mr Dermot Brangan of the Irish consulate in New York.
"It's only a matter of time before he is caught."