A TEENAGE girl was still being questioned late last night by gardaí investigating the fatal stabbing of a young man at a house party in Co Kilkenny.
Michael “Blunt” Brennan (22), from Church Avenue, Castlecomer, died at his uncle’s house in the town at about 3.30am yesterday morning.
A number of people were present in the one-storey house at Barrack Street at the time, and neighbours reported seeing people entering and leaving with cans of beer.
Garda officers and paramedics were quickly on the scene of yesterday’s stabbing and arrested the 18-year-old woman.
She was taken to Kilkenny Garda station, where she was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for her to be questioned for 24 hours.
The small yellow bungalow where the stabbing took place was sealed off yesterday by the Garda Technical Bureau.
Deputy State Pathologist Michael Curtis made an initial examination before the body was taken away in a hearse.
Supt Walter O’Sullivan from Kilkenny Garda station said that gardaí intended to interview all those present at the house when the fatal stabbing happened.
“There was a number of people assembled and gathered in the house at the time.
“I’m appealing to all persons who witnessed this incident or hold information in relation to it to come forward and assist us in relation to it.
“This is a tragic incident. A young man has died.
“In particular, my appeal is to the community in Castlecomer to come forward and help us.”
Neighbours said they had heard shouting coming from the house before the stabbing happened.
One said the incident had been as a result of a party “that got out of hand”.
Daniel Hilton said the house was regularly used for parties.
“I got in from bingo last night at about 11pm and there were people going in there with some beers.There always seemed to be parties going on there.”
Mr Brennan was one of seven children.
The family was touched by tragedy two years ago when Gerry Nolan, the stabbed man’s uncle, died in a caravan fire at Deerpark Cottages outside the town.
No one has been charged over this incident.
Local man Eamon Mealy said Mr Brennan was well-known around the town and his death was an “awful tragedy”.
“He was the type of fellow who said ‘Hello’ to everybody and had time for everyone.
“He was into his cars and he liked drinking, but there was nothing vindictive or nasty about him,” he said.