Gardaí in Galway were holding a woman for questioning last night following the fatal stabbing of a 42-year old man in the Mervue area of the city early yesterday. A man who had also been arrested was released and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The dead man has been named locally as John Malone, a resident of Walter Macken flats in Mervue. He was found with serious injuries at 5.45am yesterday and was removed to University College Hospital, Galway where he was later pronounced dead.
The man and woman were arrested shortly afterwards. The woman's period of detention was extended last night.
Mr Malone is believed to have lived alone in a ground-floor apartment for the past 10 years, but is thought to have come from Co Offaly. He was unemployed, and neighbours, who were shocked to learn of his death, described him as a "quiet man" but well-known and liked.
Ms Margaret Doyle, one of the neighbours, said she had asked for CCTV cameras to be put up in the flats as her premises had been broken into when she was ill.
Mr Malone's body was found outside the doorway of one of the four blocks of apartments, which are situated close to Mervue church. He had sustained serious stab wounds to his upper body.
The office of the state pathologist was notified and gardaí sealed off the scene for technical examination, while door-to-door inquiries were also conducted in the area.
Gardaí at Mill Street station in Galway have appealed for anyone who may have been in the area to contact them at 091 538000.
