Gardai are set to launch a murder investigation after a man was stabbed to death during a house party.
Joe Brosnan, 52, was killed in his Abbey Court apartment in Tralee, Co Kerry, on Sunday. It’s understood the well-known construction worker was knifed after a suspected personal row broke out during a gathering at his home.
Officers believe that Mr Brosnan had a number of people inside his apartment for a party – when a verbal argument escalated between him and others known to him. It is also suspected that a significant quantity of alcohol had been consumed at the gathering.
READ MORE: Man killed in Tralee, Co Kerry stabbing named locally as Joe Brosnan
Two men were on Monday night being questioned about Mr Brosnan’s death after they were arrested shortly after the alarm was raised with emergency services at around 7pm on Sunday.
One of the arrested individuals – a man in his 50s – was taken to Tralee Garda Station, where he was being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The other male, who is in his 30s, was being held at Killarney Garda Station. Both can be detained for up to 24 hours before they must be charged or released.
On Monday, the scene was sealed off as Garda forensic officers combed the area for evidence. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers arrived at the scene on Monday afternoon – and a post-mortem examination is set to take place.
Speaking about the tragic deceased man, local councillor Cathal Foley said: “I know his family well. He is a local Tralee man all his life.
“His family are in Tralee. They are a very well-respected and hard-working family. This family has suffered tragedy before.
“His younger brother lost his life tragically as well. It’s another tragedy that’s visited on the family. It’s terrible news.”
Meanwhile, investigating gardai who have set up an incident room at Tralee Garda Station, have appealed for the public’s assistance.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything around 6.30pm or 7pm in the Denny Street, Denny Lane, or Abbey Court areas is asked to contact them.
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