A man was tonight recovering in hospital after his hand was chopped off in a savage sword attack in a suburban pub.
The 27-year-old victim underwent hours of surgery after the vicious assault in north Dublin but medics declined to say whether his severed hand could be re-attached.
Investigating officers believe the man was set upon as he was enjoying a drink in the Deputy Mayor pub in Meakestown, Finglas, at around 9.15pm last night.
"The man was attacked when two men entered the premises, one of whom was armed with what appeared to be a sword, and the other armed with what is believed to be a hammer," said a Garda spokesman.
He was taken initially to the Mater Hospital in central Dublin before being transferred to St James' Hospital in the south inner city.
The man remained critically ill for most of the day as doctors battled to save his life but is now described as in a stable condition.
"He's in recovery," said a hospital spokeswoman.
There were unconfirmed reports that he had also suffered serious head injuries.
Meanwhile, this evening a garda spokesman said a 33-year-old man arrested in connection with the attack will appear before Dublin District Court tomorrow morning.
The assault sparked calls from a senior opposition politician for Ireland to follow England and Wales in banning imitation samurai swords.
Charlie Flanagan, opposition Fine Gael justice spokesman, again called for an amendment to existing Irish laws to mirror the moves in the UK.
"This was a truly horrific incident involving an unusual but potentially deadly weapon," he said.
"It follows a number of similar incidents only weeks ago involving samurai swords, in which innocent members of the emergency services, as well as members of the public, were targeted.
"Yet lethal weapons like samurai swords can be bought and sold freely on the internet for as little as €60."
Mr Flanagan said a simple amendment to legislation would easily allow for a ban on the sale, possession or importation of swords with special permits for genuine collectors and martial arts practitioners.
"I warned at the time that there could be serious consequences, and unfortunately this shocking incident has resulted," he said.