LAST UPDATE | 27 Jan 2021

THE TEENAGER WHO was stabbed to death in the East Wall area of Dublin last night has been named locally as 16-year-old Josh Dunne. 

The underage Bohemians footballer received his injuries during an altercation at around 9.30pm. 

Tributes have been paid to the teenager who has been described as a “talented young footballer”. 

In a statement this afternoon, Bohemians Football Club said: “Everyone at Bohemians is devastated to learn of the death of Bohs-SKB player Josh Dunne in tragic circumstances.

“Josh was a talented young footballer who will be sadly missed by former team-mates and coaches. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

It is understood Josh was attempting to stop the fight when he was fatally stabbed.

St Kevin’s Boys Football Club, who Josh had also played for, released a statement. 

It reads: “It is with great sadness that the club has learned of the sudden and untimely death of one of our players Josh Dunne last night. On speaking to Josh’s managers Mark, Gerry, Peter and all the lads from his team they are all devastated to hear the sad news.” 

Incident

Gardaí at Store Street Garda Station are continuing to investigate all the circumstances of the fatal assault and associated incidents which occurred on East Wall Road, at the junction with East Road, in East Wall.

At around 9.20pm last night, gardaí received a report of a public order incident occurring on East Road, East Wall. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene and two juvenile males were taken to the Mater Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. One of the young men, Josh Dunne, was later pronounced dead in the Mater Hospital.

A post mortem will be carried out this afternoon by Dr Heidi Okkers, Locum Assistant State Pathologist.

Gardaí said that a family liaison officer has been appointed to and continues to liaise with the family. An adult and a juvenile male remain in hospital receiving medical attention. 

Fine Gael Councillor for the North Inner City Ray McAdam gave his condolences to the teenager’s family “grieving for the loss of a loved one”.

He told TheJournal.ie that this was not a “one-off” incident, and is the third incident in recent weeks involving teenagers under the age of 18, referencing the woman who was assaulted near the IFSC last week, and an incident in November.

McAdam said that an “in-your-face” and “proactive highly visible Garda presence” was needed “from 7/8/9pm onwards” in the north east inner city area, or else years of progress made in the area will have been undone.

McAdam, who has been a public representative in the area for 12 years, said that he has had increased correspondence from constituents expressing their concern about crime in the area.

“Yes, I’ve had an increase in correspondence, particularly since Christmas – ‘terrorised’ is too strong a word, but there is a growing level of concern that gangs in the area are making life uncomfortable. We need to stamp it out.”

McAdam said that he would ask the Assistant Garda Commissioner and the local superintendent for an increase in Garda presence in the area.

Gardaí said the stabbing happened following an incident involving a group of people in the East Wall area. The scene has been preserved for investigations.

Gardaí continue to appeal for anyone who was in the East Wall Road/ East Road, Dublin 3 area between 9pm and 9.40pm last night to speak with investigating gardaí.

Gardaí are appealing for any person with video footage (mobile phone, dashcam footage or other video) to contact investigating gardaí at Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

With reporting by Garreth MacNamee