Gardaí in Limerick investigating the fatal stabbing of a 35-year-old father of four have recovered a number of weapons, it emerged last night. It is understood that several items, including one large kitchen knife, were recovered near the scene.
It has also emerged that the chief suspect in the murder inquiry was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for manslaughter.
Mr Martin O'Donoghue, of St Mary's Park, was stabbed to death outside a pub in Broad Street early on Monday. It is believed he received the fatal injuries following a row in the pub, which spilled out on to the street. He had been stabbed several times in the neck and body.
It is understood that the victim knew his assailant and that there may have been a history of trouble between them.
A source confirmed last night that the chief suspect in the investigation had recently served a prison sentence following another fatal stabbing.
Two men and two women were still being questioned by gardaí at Henry Street yesterday in connection with the incident.
Gardaí were preparing to examine CCTV footage from cameras in the vicinity of Broad Street as part of their investigation.
It also emerged yesterday that the latest Limerick murder victim was a second cousin of Brian Fitzgerald, the nightclub doorman who was shot dead outside his Corbally home in 2002.
However, gardaí have ruled out any link between this latest killing and any continuing feud.