The woman stabbed to death in an apparently random attack in Naas, Co Kildare in the early hours of this morning has this evening been named as Frances Ralph (46) from Sallins, Co Kildare.
A suspect was apparently apprehended by people at the scene and arrested shortly afterwards. He was later taken to hospital in Dublin before being discharged into police custody late this afternoon.
Ms Ralph was attacked on Main Street, Naas, Co Kildare, shortly after midnight and taken to Naas General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1.35am, a Garda spokesman said.
Initial reports suggest the woman died of a stab wound, and a post mortem examination is due to take place later today.
The suspect, believed to be a 49-year-old man, is understood to have sustained injuries when being restrained at the scene of the stabbing.