Father and son held over stabbing of two brothers in west Cork 

Incident is believed to be linked to an ongoing family feud

Gardaí at the scene in Dunmanway where two brother were stabbed. Picture: Andy Gibson

A father and son are being questioned over the stabbing of two brothers in West Cork as part of what is believed to be an ongoing family feud.

The two brothers were rushed to Cork University Hospital after being stabbed at a property on the outskirts of Dunmanway at around 7pm on Saturday.

The arrested men are in their 30s and 70s and were detained shortly after the incident.

The victims, who are aged in their 30s, are currently in a serious condition.

Locals say neighbours of the family members have been frightened by unrest within the family and feared a tragedy might be on the cards.

A source living close by told the Irish Examiner that some people living in the area had sold their homes at a loss due to the feud.

They added that some people involved in the incident did not mix with members of the community which meant the feud remained within the family. There had been fears the issue might come to a head after legal battles which it is understood were related to planning, specifically an issue involving a disputed container on land. Locals also spoke of incidents of vandalism.

A source described the dysfunctional situation as “like something out of a Martin McDonagh play." They added that the situation was very volatile, describing the family as “not your regular neighbours".

'A shock for the community'

Meanwhile, County Mayor Cllr Joe Carroll (Fianna Fáil) said he did not want to comment on the family. However, he revealed the whole community is shook by the disturbing revelation.

“This is such a shock for the community of Dunmanway. It is not something you expect to hear about here. We never hear of stabbings here in West Cork and I can’t understand how this would happen. We hope the victims pull through and make a full recovery.” 

The scene of the incident was being preserved pending an examination by members of the Garda technical bureau last night.

The arrested parties are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the Southern Region.

Gardaí say they are continuing to investigate the circumstances in relation to the incident. 

"Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward, in particular anyone who was in the Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway, Co. Cork area between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday 17th August, 2024," a gatda spokesperson said. 

Anyone who has camera footage from the Ballyhalwick area during this timeframe has been asked to make it available. 

Anyone with information has been requested to contact at Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.