'My soulmate, my safe place': Wife pays moving tribute to Ukrainian man killed in Cork stabbing incident

Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi was attacked just metres from his home in Cork city on Monday evening

In a moving tribute, Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi's wife wrote that her late husband and father to a little girl was "my everything, my soulmate, my strength, my safe place".

Funeral details have been announced for Oleksandr Zhyvytskyi, a 31-year-old Ukrainian man who died on Monday evening following a stabbing incident near his home in Cork city centre.

Mr Zhyvytskyi was attacked just metres from his home in Camden Court on Carroll's Quay in the Lower John St and Knapp’s Square area.

He had left his home to get food in the nearby Shandon St area, but was stabbed as he walked the short distance home. Mr Zhyvytskyi returned to his apartment, where his wife raised the alarm, but despite paramedics working to save his life, he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Zhyvytskyi is survived by his wife Viktoriya, and their young daughter.

In a moving tribute on Rip.ie, Viktoriya wrote that her husband’s family will carry him in their hearts forever.

“You were my everything, my soulmate, my strength, my safe place,” she wrote.

She wrote that he was a "loving and devoted father to our baby girl".

"She will grow up knowing how deeply she was loved by you. Thank you for every moment, every memory, every piece of love you gave us.” 

Mr Zhyvytskyi will repose at Coughlan’s Funeral Home, Shandon Street, on Monday, March 23, from 10am, with family in attendance at 5pm and prayers at 6pm.

Requiem Mass on Tuesday, March 24, at midday in the North Cathedral, and funeral afterwards to St Catherine’s Cemetery, Kilcully.

On Thursday evening, a 42-year-old man accused of murdering Mr Zhyvytskyi by allegedly stabbing him in the chest was brought before Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway gave evidence of arresting Jonathan Hennessy, of 15 Dr Patrick O’Sullivan Terrace, Upper Aghada, Co Cork, and charging him at 4.25pm on Thursday with murder.

Mr Hennessy was remanded in custody to appear again by video link before Cork District Court on March 25.