A murder investigation is under way in Kiltimagh in Co Mayo after a 24-year-old man was stabbed to death in a laneway off the town's Main Street.
The victim has been named locally as Frankie Heneghan a contruction worker from Ballyheane near Castlebar.
It appears that the stabbing happened after two separate altercations in and around Main Street at around 11.45pm last night.
Gardaí say a number of people are believed to have been involved in the incident.
An assistant State pathologist has carried out a preliminary examination of the scene.
The body was removed to Mayo General Hospital where a full post mortem examination has taken place.
No arrests have been made.
Experts from the Garda Technical Bureau have been conducting searches in the area trying to locate the murder weapon.
Superintendent Ronan Galligan described the death of the young man as a 'mindless, senseless killing' and has appealed to people who were in the area to help with the investigation by coming forward with any information they may have.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to contact Swinford Garda Station on 094-9252990.
