Gardaí arrest man in relation to fatal stabbing

A MAN has been held for questioning in relation to a fatal stabbing in Tallaght which took place during a row between two groups of males at the weekend.

Gardaí in Tallaght arrested a man in his 30s yesterday afternoon as part of their investigation into the murder of 23-year-old John Murdoch in the early hours of Saturday morning outside an apartment block in the south-west suburb of Dublin. Mr Murdoch suffered a number of stab wounds to the chest during a row between two small groups of males outside the apartment complex at the Cushlawn Dale in Tallaght at about 12.30am.

Gardaí believe that an argument broke out between the two groups, who were unknown to each other, following an exchange of “insults and slagging” outside a late-night shop before moving towards the Cushlawn estate.

Mr Murdoch was pronounced dead a short time later on arrival at Tallaght Hospital where he was rushed by an ambulance crew called to the scene.

Neighbours of the victim who lived in Donomore Crescent in Tallaght — a short distance from the scene of the killing — said Mr Murdoch was well-liked within the local area.

It is understood he had been out with friends socialising to celebrate local team Shamrock Rovers becoming the first Irish team to qualify for the group stages of a European club competition.

Garda sources indicated the dead man had no links to serious crime or drugs, although he had convictions for theft and burglary.

A Garda spokesperson described Mr Murdoch’s stabbing as “a terrible crime” but added that they had already received a very strong response from members of the public.

The arrested man was being held last night at Tallaght Garda Station for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Gardaí wish to speak to a number of young people who were attending a party in a nearby apartment and who may have witnessed the altercation. Two vehicles parked near the scene of the crime were removed by Garda forensic experts for technical examination.

Mr Murdoch’s death is the third fatal stabbing in Dublin so far in 2011.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact Garda at Tallaght or on the Garda confidential line on 1800-666111.