THE MAN who was killed in a row outside a pub in Co Galway may have been trying to break up a row in the early hours of yesterday morning.
A full-scale murder investigation was launched by gardaí yesterday afternoon after they received the result of a postmortem carried out on the body of Frank Fahy (20) from O’Keefe Park, Glenamaddy.
Gardaí had not released results of the postmortem by yesterday evening, but it is understood the young man may have suffered a stab wound.
A 45-year-old man who lives in the north Galway town was last night being questioned at Tuam Garda station in relation to the incident.
A third man (30) was being treated at Roscommon General Hospital but his injuries are not life-threatening.
Supt Marie Skehill, who is heading up the investigation, said that an interview room had been set up at Tuam Garda station (093) 24202 and they were appealing for witnesses to the incident.
“We are anxious to speak to anyone who was in Glenamaddy between midnight and 2am on Monday morning and who may have any information or who may have witnessed an altercation,” she said.
The incident happened outside Harte’s Corner House pub in Glenmaddy at about 1.30am on Monday.
It is understood that Mr Fahy may have intervened to break up a row between two other men.
Two men, one aged 20 and the other 30, were brought to Roscommon General Hospital. Mr Fahy was pronounced dead at 2.30am.
A 45-year-old man, who has lived in the locality for several years, was arrested and taken to Tuam Garda station.
He was questioned throughout the day by detectives.
Garda forensic experts carried out examinations at three locations in the town yesterday.
Relatives and friends called to the Fahy house in O’Keefe Park in Glenamaddy throughout the day, comforting the Fahy family.
Mr Fahy was a popular young man who worked for agricultural contractors in the surrounding area.
He is survived by his parents John Joe and Mary, his brother Noel and sisters Gráinne and Emer.
Friends laid flowers close to the scene of the incident and spoke of the sense of shock being experienced in the town.
“Everybody is shocked and we are going to miss him terribly,” said Éilish O’Reilly, who went to school with Mr Fahy.
Another friend, Sharon Fleming, said that there was enormous sadness over what had happened.
“At this stage, we are all praying for his family,” she said.
Local parish priest Fr Paddy Mooney said everyone was in shock following Mr Fahy’s death.
“He was a fine hard-working young lad and it’s especially difficult for everyone at this time of year,” he said.
Fr Mooney said the heartfelt sympathies and the prayers of the whole parish go out to Mr Fahy’s parents, his brother and two sisters.
“They are a lovely family. I was with them last night and I was with them again today and they are absolutely devastated.
“It’s hard on them,” Fr Mooney said. “It’s hard on everyone really. They are well-known and are well-respected.”