Gardaí investigating Kimmage death extend man's detention

A drug addict was being held tonight over the murder of his pensioner father with a sword in a retirement home.

Edward Boylan was stabbed to death in a senior citizen complex before his flat was set on fire.

His 29-year-old son was arrested the early hours of this morning on the south side of Dublin’s inner city.

A senior Garda source said it was too early to establish a motive for the horrific attack, which has numbed the elderly community of Ravensdale Close, Kimmage.

“We are satisfied we have a right fella,” he said.

“We are talking to him to find out what it is about.

“Obviously something must have happened to end up with this.”

Mr Boylan, 74, was found dead in bed by firefighters who were called to tackle a blaze in the first floor flat, owned by Dublin City Council, on Saturday afternoon.

It is believed the weapon used to kill him was still sticking out of his chest.

The prime suspect is said to be a drug addict who also suffered from mental health problems.

He is detained at Crumlin Garda Station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

It is suspected the fire was started to destroy any evidence inside the property.

Forensic officers and Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar examined the scene of the killing before Mr Boylan’s remains were taken to the city morgue.

There was no sign of forced entry in the first floor flat, which was secured with a coded gate.

Labour TD Eric Byrne residents in the surrounding flats were in shock.

“It’s a disturbing set of circumstances when a person is murdered in a senior citizens complex,” he said.

“It’s very difficult for the rest of the residents there who are elderly and nervous. It’s horrendous.

“The only good thing is that the fear of somebody going around, a potential murderer, has been allayed with the arrest of someone.”

Neighbours said they were shocked by the murder of Mr Boylan, who was described as a harmless quiet man who moved to the area about 12 to 18 months ago.

He lived opposite the Black Horse Inn, where he used to watch horse racing.

“He was an ordinary old lad that came in and had a few pints and watched the racing, that was it,” said one staff member.