Two quizzed over Traveller's death

Two men have been detained for questioning today over the death of a father-of-six last August during the Rose of Tralee festival.

Gardaí investigating the stabbing of Michael Faulkner, 43, outside his home at Mitchel’s Crescent in the Co Kerry town arrested the men this morning.

The men, aged 49 and 33, were arrested at their homes in Tralee at around 8am on suspicion of assault causing serious harm. They were taken to the local garda station for questioning.

Mr Faulkner, a settled member of the Travelling community, was stabbed on August 23 within 100 yards of his home at Mitchel’s Crescent. He was pronounced dead in Tralee General Hospital a short time later.

The fatal stabbing took place only a small distance away from where the Rose of Tralee festivities were under way.

It was believed the 43-year-old’s death was the result of a feud with another Traveller family that started at a wedding.

The men were detained under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act, and can be held for up to 12 hours.

One man was already charged with the assault of Mr Faulkner at a special sitting of Kenmare District Court.