Cork City fatal stabbing victim named locally as Mark O'Connell

One local source suggested that those in the area had originally understood that the man had been taken ill on Sunday morning, only to learn that a violent incident was suspected this evening. Picture: Chani Anderson

The victim of Sunday morning's fatal stabbing in Cork City has been named locally as 38-year-old Mark O'Connell.

Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after the incident that took place in the early hours of Sunday morning on the city's northside.

Emergency services rushed to the Hollyville property in Hollyhill after the alarm was raised after 4am. 

However, Mr O'Connell, who was originally from Farranree in Cork City, died a short time later at Cork University Hospital. 

It is understood Mr O'Connell had been employed in a local community employment scheme with Northside Community Enterprises in nearby Farranferris.

One local source suggested that those in the area had originally understood that the man had been taken ill on Sunday morning, only to learn that a violent incident was suspected this evening.

“It’s tragic, the loss of a young man’s life,” they said.

Mr O'Connell was stabbed outside the property after calling there. It is understood he was well-known to the occupants of the house.

An autopsy was due to be carried out and a family liaison officer has been appointed to support the late man’s family. There was a detail forensic and technical examination of the scene throughout Sunday. 

The arrested man is in his 50s, and he is believed to be known to the victim.

“There were two deaths recently in the neighbourhood, but nothing like this," a Hollyville resident said, describing the mood of the community. 

No indication of a disturbance

"People are in shock. This is a good area. If you come here at 8pm, you won’t even see anyone out and about because there is never really any anti-social behaviour."

He said there had been nothing to give any indication of a disturbance in the area.

“I didn’t hear any ambulance or gardaí anyway. There was nothing. This was a young man who was only in his thirties. Nobody can believe what has happened. We are all just thinking of the family right now.” 

Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald, who lives in the area, said: “Hollyville estate is a very quiet area. The people here have been living here for a really long time and are shocked that this could happen. I know the family, and they are very well-known and liked in the area. This is really sad for all of them.”

Gardaí are appealing to members of the public who may have any information to contact them.

The man being questioned by gardaí is being held at a garda station in Cork under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.