Gardaí search estate over fatal stabbing

Gardaí are continuing door-to-door inquiries in Ashbourne, Co Meath, following the fatal stabbing of a young man in the Milltown estate.

Some 20 detectives and gardaí are involved in the investigation into the death of 23-year-old Barry Maguire from Deerpark estate, Ashbourne, who died in hospital shortly after an incident early on Wednesday morning. Two groups of up to 10 people may have been involved

A second man, Damien Carthy, who was injured in the altercation was yesterday in a stable condition in hospital.

He was reported to have been running to call for an ambulance when he was stabbed.

Mr Carthy is an acquaintance of the deceased and lives in Milltown estate.

He was initially moved to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. Later in the day, he was transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where he underwent emergency surgery on Wednesday night.

A hospital spokesperson said that the injured man was now "doing fine" and was in a "stable" condition.

Mr Maguire had been found collapsed on a roadway by gardaí who responded to a call about a dispute in the estate.

Gardaí continued a search of the estate and were understood to be looking for the knife used in the attack.

Supt Charles Devine, who is leading the investigation, has said that a widespread inquiry is under way.

Gardaí last night held a lengthy case conference in Ashbourne Garda station to discuss ongoing developments in their investigation as they attempt to establish exactly what happened in the incident, which occurred shortly after 4am.

Detectives have been taking witness statements from people in the area who heard or saw the altercation.

No arrests have been made as a result of the inquiry. Closed circuit television camera footage is also being viewed by investigating officers.

Gardaí also renewed their appeal for witnesses to the incident to contact them at the incident room in Ashbourne on 01-835 1515. Mr Maguire was the youngest of four siblings and his family has appealed to the media for privacy.

In a brief statement the family said: "Barry was from a very close-knit family.

"He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. The family is devastated.

"They appreciate the support of their family and friends and ask that the media respect their need for privacy at this time."