Gardaí investigating the murder of a 63-year-old man in Dublin in the early hours of this morning, do not believe he was the intended target.
Anthony Fowler, who was known as Josh, died after he was stabbed during a row at his home in Dunsink Green.
Gardaí and the emergency services were called to the scene at around half past midnight.
Mr Fowler was taken to Connolly hospital where attempts to resuscitate him failed and he was pronounced dead there a short time later.
Gardaí have set up an incident room at Finglas Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. A family liaison officer has also been assigned.
Detectives have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, particularly those with phone, video or dashcam footage from those driving in the area at the time.
Josh Fowler was known to gardaí and had served a prison sentence for drug dealing five years ago.
While he was in prison, one of his sons was caught trying to smuggle €50 worth of diazepam or Valium into him in Mountjoy jail and received a six-month suspended sentence.
Josh Fowler had at the time been grieving the death of his other son the year before.
Shane Fowler, 35, was on his way to carry out a shooting when he crashed his motorcycle on Dunsink Park, just a hundred metres from his father's home.
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Gardaí believe the fatal stabbing today is connected to intergenerational drug abuse which has blighted the area and led to an ongoing feud between criminal gangs in Finglas and Blanchardstown.
Gardaí have commenced a murder investigation and are now trying to establish a motive for the murder.
One line of inquiry is that the victim was not the intended target but was threatened because a relative of his owed money for drugs, which led to a row breaking out during which the 63-year-old was stabbed to death.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses, particularly anyone with video footage (including dash cam) from the area at the time, to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
