Gardaí were last night investigating the death of a father-of-three after an altercation in a housing estate in Ennis, Co Clare, early yesterday morning.
Charlie McDonagh (30), died after sustaining stab wounds. His 26-year-old brother was yesterday at University College Hospital Galway awaiting surgery for skin grafts to wounded arms. A third person, the men's sister, received superficial injuries during the incident.
Leading the investigation, Supt John Kerin said gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry.
Residents at the Bridge Court estate yesterday described hearing repeated screams at about 2am yesterday morning.
Supt Kerin confirmed that gardaí recovered three weapons from the scene, though he would not disclose what the weapons are for operational reasons.
He said gardaí received a call about a row in Bridge Court and as they arrived, they saw a man being carried out of the house, and he collapsed in their presence. An ambulance quickly arrived and the man was transferred to Ennis General Hospital but he died there later.
He added: "Two doors down a man was found with very severe wounds to his arms and he was also removed to Ennis General before being transferred to Galway."
Supt Kerin said there had been a number of altercations between the deceased and another man from 10.30 on Saturday night.
He said: "House-to-house inquiries have been taking place and we have got a very good response from the local residents, but we would appeal for anyone that saw anything on the night to come forward."
The scene at the home of Mr McDonagh was yesterday sealed off with a white tent at the entrance, while other locations on the road outside were also cordoned off.
State Pathologist Dr Maire Cassidy was due to carry out a postmortem on Mr McDonagh's body at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick yesterday evening.
Local resident Shahd Horie said: "It is a terrible shock to all the neighbours. It is an awful thing.
"I heard screams, unusual screams and people shouting at intervals before 2am here.
"I didn't know what was happening and it was a real shock to hear this morning that a man was killed.
"People are afraid to walk out around now because of this," she said.
Ms Horie who lives six doors away from Mr McDonagh's house said: "This is a new estate. The neighbours are getting to know each other and it has been very calm and peaceful until now."
A short distance from the estate in the Roslevan area of Ennis, locals were taking down balloons and removing food at the local community hall that was to form part of the official welcome from the parish council for the new residents of Bridge Court who moved into their new homes last summer. The event - due to take place yesterday afternoon - was cancelled due to Mr McDonagh's death.
Supt Kerin said the deceased man was "very, very well respected and very well liked".
Mr McDonagh is survived by his wife and three children.