A murder probe was launched last night after a man was stabbed to death on a busy street.
The victim, named locally as Aaron Keating, is understood to have been targeted following a verbal row with a group on the main street of Ongar, in West Dublin at 7pm.
Mr Keating, aged in his 40s, collapsed to the ground after being injured as locals tended to him.
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Emergency services rushed him to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, where he was pronounced dead.
A murder investigation has begun and is being led by Blanchardstown Garda Station.
Detectives are still in the early stages of probing the circumstances surrounding the incident and have seized CCTV footage.
Sources say it appears Mr Keating was involved in a verbal row with a group, before a man pulled a knife on him and he was stabbed.
It’s understood the armed thug then left the scene by foot.
Last night a pal of Mr Keating told us how he suffered mental health issues and that he had engaged with homeless services in the past.
The friend, who asked not to be named, added: “Aaron suffered from an illness but he was a good man at heart. He will be missed by so many. People just cannot believe it happened to him.”
A Garda spokeswoman said: “Anyone with information should contact Blanchardstown Garda station on 01 666 7000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”
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