The man stabbed to death near the centre of Dublin early yesterday was killed with a hollow steel bar similar to a railing in a wardrobe, according to gardai.
The 22-year old man, who came from Shankill, Co Dublin, was walking with two friends when they met two other men in Clanbrassil Terrace, off Clanbrassil Street in the Liberties area, at around 4 a.m.
Gardai say "words were exchanged" between the two groups and the three friends were attacked by at least one of the other men. The attacker struck his victim in the throat, causing heavy loss of blood.
The victim, who is not being named at the request of his family until relatives have been informed, was taken to St James's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4.50 a.m.. The State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, carried out a post-mortem examination yesterday afternoon.
The dead man's two friends were also injured in the attack but were released from hospital after receiving treatment.
Supt John Mulderrig of Kevin Street Garda station, who is heading the murder investigation, said the weapon was found at the scene.
He appealed to anyone who was in the Clanbrassil Street area between 3.30 a.m. and 4.30 a.m. yesterday to come forward. He said detectives were particularly anxious to hear from three or four youths who took a taxi away from the area at around that time. He stressed, however, that there was no reason to suspect them of any involvement in the incident, but they could be vital witnesses.
Supt Mulderrig said the victim and his two friends were out for the night, and were possibly thinking of going to a party when the killing occurred. The dead man had intended staying in the city overnight rather than returning to Shankill.
Clanbrassil Terrace is a short street located in an inner city area undergoing massive redevelopment. There are about a dozen brick-built terraced houses on one side of the road; a modern building and a large construction site dominate the other side.
Anyone who was in the area at the time is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda station, telephone 4752693.