Tributes paid to Galway knife victim

Tributes were tonight paid to a hard working young man murdered in a knife attack during an early morning brawl outside a pub.

Frank Fahy was stabbed to death and a second man injured in an altercation in the village of Glenamaddy in Co Galway.

The family of the 20-year-old victim are devastated by the killing which has shocked the close-knit community.

Detectives are continuing to quiz a 45-year-old suspect over the attacks.

Local parish priest, Father Paddy Mooney, said everyone was in shock following Mr Fahy’s tragic death.

“He was a fine hard working young lad and it’s especially difficult for everyone at this time of year,” he said.

The young victim drove machinery for a farming contractor in the area and had a keen interest in cars.

He was stabbed during a row in The Square at around 1.30am and rushed to hospital where he died an hour later.

Fr Mooney said the heartfelt sympathies and the prayers of the whole parish go out to Mr Fahy’s parents John Joe and Mary, his brother and two sisters.

“They are a lovely family,” he continued.

“I was with them last night and I was with them again today and they are absolutely devastated. It’s hard on them. It’s hard on everyone really.

“They are well known and are well respected.”

A 30-year-old man was also admitted to Roscommon County Hospital with injuries sustained during the assault, but his wounds are not life-threatening.

Fr Mooney said the arrest of another local man for Mr Fahy’s murder makes it much harder the local community to take in.

A garda spokesman said the 45-year-old was being held in Tuam garda station.

“The post mortem has been completed and this investigation has now been upgraded to a murder investigation,” he added.

“No details of the post mortem will be available.”