[ad_1]
A promising young footballer was stabbed to death in the capital after trying to intervene in a queue for a stolen bicycle, Gardaí believes.
Osh Dunne (16) died after being stabbed three times during a public order incident in Dublin’s north city center shortly after 9pm on Tuesday.
The football clubs the talented teenager played for, including Dundee United and Bohemians FC, have paid tribute to him.
Detectives believe Josh and his friends encountered two people who assaulted a 23-year-old man who was charged with stealing a delivery bicyclist’s bicycle.
As Josh and a 16-year-old friend tried to defuse the situation, the two were stabbed three times each and seriously injured during the incident on East Road, East Wall.
Both were rushed to Mater Hospital in Dublin, where Josh was later pronounced dead.
The 23-year-old man also suffered stab wounds to his back and required hospital treatment. Gardaí must question him about the alleged bicycle theft.
Close
Flowers left on the scene in North Dublin (Niall Carson / PA)
Gardaí investigating the murder identified a Brazilian citizen as the main suspect in the case and is expected to make arrests.
Sources said that at this stage it has not yet been established who initially produced the knife used in the attacks.
“This incident went from the alleged theft of a bicycle to a fatal stabbing. The murdered teenager had absolutely nothing to do with the initial incident and appears to have been trying to defuse the situation when he was stabbed, “said a senior source.
Detectives believe Josh was with a group of up to eight teenage boys and girls at the time and have spoken with them to establish what happened.
Tributes have gone to the murder victim, who played for several prestigious clubs over the years.
St Kevin’s Boys FC football director said Josh would have been training at the time he was stabbed if the club had not closed due to Covid restrictions. Ken Donohoe told the Irish Independent that the death has shocked him, the club and the Ballymun community.
“It was a great shock. Nobody can believe it. It is terrible for any child to be taken like that, but since he was close to us we deeply felt it, ”he said.
He described the Ballymun teenager as a ‘natural talent’ on the playing field. “He was a very, very, very good player.
Soccer was a central theme in his life. He had a totally natural talent. These things don’t just come true. Josh was talented and we were just coaching and guiding him, ”he explained.
“He was a popular, carefree boy, and his managers Mark Tierney and Gerry Reddy describe him as an absolutely natural and popular boy with no discipline problems,” added Donohoe.
“It is difficult to understand that such a good child can be taken from us. I can’t think of how his poor mother feels, ”he said.
Close
Undated brochure photo of Josh Dunne, who has been named after the 16-year-old who was fatally stabbed after an incident on East Wall Road, north of Dublin, on Tuesday. Issue date: Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
Donohoe said Dundee United was interested in Joshua’s talent as they had seen him play. “They were monitoring their progress,” he explained.
In a statement, the Scottish Premiership team, where he was tried in 2019, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Josh Dunne.
“Josh was a test driver with our Foyle Cup and Super Cup teams in 2019 where he was welcomed and respected by the players and staff.
“Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family and friends.”
Bohemians FC paid tribute to Josh saying: “Everyone at Bohemians is devastated to learn of the death of Bohs-SKB player Josh Dunne under tragic circumstances.
“Josh was a talented young footballer who his former teammates and coaches will sadly miss.
“We extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
Tolka AFC said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from Josh Dunne. “It was a privilege to have him play for Tolka Rovers FC and to see him play football under the guidance of Coco, Kev and James.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. “Rest in peace Josh.”
Investigators are asking anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, to contact the Store Street surveillance station.
Gardaí requested information from anyone who was on the East Road, East Wall, in the Dublin area between 9pm and 9.40pm and may have any information or footage, including the dash cam.
Contact Store Street Station at 01666 8000, Garda confidential phone number 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Irish independent
[ad_2]