Father of two (39) killed in Kildare named, as man remains in custody

The victim, named locally as Ion Daghi (39), was discovered with serious injuries after emergency services were alerted to a house in Sallins in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The Moldovan national was pronounced dead at the scene in Sallins Park and a criminal investigation was launched.

It’s understood Mr Daghi was a father to two children and had been living in the area for some time.

A 23-year-old man, who was known to the victim, was arrested at the scene and last night remained in garda custody.

Detectives are probing if the younger man stabbed the victim in the chest after a drink-fuelled row escalated.

Several people had been socialising at the residential property that night prior to the fatal assault.

Investigators have spoken to those who were present and are following a definite line of inquiry in relation to the attack.

One source said: “The exact circumstances of what led to this turning into a fatal assault are still under investigation.”

Detectives at Naas garda station have begun a murder inquiry and are not looking for anyone else in relation to the assault.

The suspect is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, and can be held for up to 24 hours.

Once his period of detention expires, he must either be charged or released from custody pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Garda Technical Bureau was yesterday carrying out examinations of the property which remained sealed off.

In the afternoon, Mr Daghi’s body was removed from the scene and brought to the local mortuary where a post-mortem examination was being carried out yesterday evening.

A garda spokesman said that the local coroner has also been notified.

“A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and an incident room has been established at Naas garda station,” he said.

“Additionally, a family liaison officer has been assigned to keep the deceased’s family informed of developments.”

Locals yesterday expressed their shock at waking up to the news that a person had been killed in the quiet housing estate.

One local reported hearing people arguing at around 2am but did not realise what had happened until gardaí arrived on the scene yesterday morning.

Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless, who is the chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, said the incident was a tragedy.

“I understand the parties were known to each other, the victim and the attacker. It seems to have been a social event and obviously it ended in tragedy. I think alcohol was a factor and these things can happen in any corner of Ireland,” he said.

The Kildare North TD told RTÉ that what had happened was out of character for the very close-knit community in the area.