One young woman was killed and another seriously injured after a frenzied knife attack in a quiet suburb of Cork at the weekend.
The woman who died from extensive stab wounds to her body was named as Ms Nicola Sweeney (19), of Rochestown Road, Cork. Tomorrow would have been her 20th birthday
Ms Sweeney was watching a video at her home with a friend, Ms Sinéad O'Leary, also aged 19, of Montenotte, when the attack occurred.
It is believed that a man entered the two-storey house through a back door at about 11.20 p.m. on Saturday. He was armed with a knife and possibly another weapon.
In the living-room he lunged at the two women, causing serious injuries to Ms O'Leary's upper body. She fell to the floor as Ms Sweeney ran upstairs in an attempt to reach safety.
The attacker ran after her, according to Garda sources, stabbing wildly at her as she tried to flee.
As she attempted to defend herself, the man inflicted horrific injuries, finally wounding her fatally. Ms O'Leary managed to make a 999 call and alerted gardaí, who were at the house within minutes.
By then, it is understood, the attacker had left and Ms Sweeney was found dead on the bedroom floor. As gardaí arrived at the affluent suburb, a crowd gathered outside the Sweeney family home. Gardaí said there was no obvious motive for the attack.
Ms O'Leary was being treated at Cork University Hospital last night for injuries to her hand and upper arm. Her condition was described as stable and she was able to give gardaí a detailed description of the attack.
As news filtered through of Ms Sweeney death, friends and neighbours congregated at the driveway. They described Ms Sweeney, a student at the Cork College of Commerce, as "a popular young woman who loved life".
The murdered woman's parents, Mr John and Mrs Josephine Sweeney, heard the news in London. where they have property and public house interests.They were due to return to Cork last night. Their daughter was described as a joyous, outgoing young woman who had a passionate interest in music.