Murdered youth was talented soccer player

THE teenager stabbed to death at a house party in Limerick was a talented soccer player who just recently celebrated his 18th birthday.

Edward Cully from Woodview Park Limerick, played for Ireland at under 14 level and also played for Fairview Rangers minor soccer team in Limerick.

The apprentice bricklayer, was found with fatal stab wounds shortly before 5.30am at a house in Merval Crescent in Clareview yesterday morning. Gardaí launched a murder investigation following the latest incident in the city.

It’s believed between four and five youths were drinking in the house when a row broke out and Mr Cully was stabbed a number of times. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 5.25am.

Two hours later a 19-year-old man, who had been drinking in the house at the time, was arrested at Henry Street in Limerick city. He was brought to Henry Street garda station where he was being held under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act.

Yesterday’s fatal stabbing is not linked to any of the ongoing feuds in the city according to investigating guard.

“This incident is not linked to any feud in the city and was an isolated incident,” said a garda spokesman.

Assistant state pathologist, Margaret Bolster, travelled to Limerick yesterday to carry out a postmortem.

Meanwhile, Fairview Rangers Soccer club yesterday cancelled their FAI Junior Cup match in Co Galway as a mark of respect. Members of the club’s senior team were on route to Athenry for the match when news of the tragedy broke.

According to the club’s senior A team manager, Dermot Finnan, everyone is shocked at the news.

“We were on our way to Athenry when we heard the news so we turned back and cancelled the game as a mark of respect. This is very sad. Edward was a very talented soccer player who played for the Republic of Ireland at under 14 level and played on our club’s underage team. We are all in complete shock,” said Mr Finnan.

Locals in Clareview were yesterday horrified when details of the tragic events unfolded.

“No-one can believe this happened. This is a very quiet area and there is never any trouble here it’s just frightening,” said one resident. “Everyone is in complete shock and obviously thinking about the boy’s family.”

Mr Cully is survived by a large family of brothers and sisters and his parents.