Two murder investigations underway after weekend killings

Two separate murder investigations are underway this morning following the deaths of two men in violent incidents over the weekend in Co Cork and Co Kildare.

A 51-year-old widower died when he was beaten by a gang of up to 10 people outside his home on the Cellbridge Road just outside Leixlip early on Saturday morning.

The man, who has been named as Oliver Lacey, was apparently trying to help two young men who had been fleeing from the mob and took refuge in his front lawn.

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man was shot dead outside his home in Ballincollig on Saturday night.

Eric Cummins died after he was shot several times by a man who approached him as he returned to the house in the Greenfields area with his partner and child.