Gardaí seek witnesses as Dunmanway reels in shock at alleged stabbing that saw brothers hospitalised

The community of Dunmanway has been left reeling following a serious assault in the area yesterday evening which left two people hospitalised.

Gardaí are continuing to question two men, understood to be father and son, over the alleged stabbing of two brothers.

The incident occurred shortly after 7pm yesterday evening.

A Garda spokesperson said today that Gardaí “continue to investigate all the circumstances in relation to an assault that occurred in Dunmanway, Co. Cork yesterday evening, Saturday 17th August, 2024, shortly after 7pm”.

“The two men, aged in their 30s, who were taken to Cork University Hospital last night with serious injuries, remain in a serious but stable condition.

“The scene of the incident has been examined by a Garda Forensic Investigation team.

“Two men, aged in their 30s and 70s, remain in Garda custody detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the Southern Region,” the spokesperson continued.

They added that Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward, in particular anyone who was in the Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway, area between 6pm and 8pm yesterday evening.

“Anyone who has camera footage (including dash cam) from Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway during this timeframe is asked to make this available to Gardaí.

“Gardaí can be contacted at Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

“Investigations are ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

People in the locality are said to be left aghast following news of the assault.

Mayor of the County of Cork councillor Joe Carroll, told The Echo the community is “saddened and shocked” by the incident.

“We’re saddened and shocked that something like this could happen in the community, in any community in West Cork,” the Fianna Fáil councillor, who was born and raised in Dunmanway but now lives in Skibbereen, said.

“Things like this don’t normally happen in West Cork, so obviously the community is saddened and shocked at the news that broke last night.” 

Mr Carroll said he hoped the victims would pull through and make a speedy recovery.

Cork South West Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard said there was an immense sense of shock in the West Cork town today.

“I was in Dunmanway for a few hours this morning and there was a great feeling of shock.

“That’s how I’d describe it.

“Nobody expected after a Saturday evening that Sunday morning people would be waking up hearing this news.

“The local community from what I could see this morning was absolutely devastated by the news,” he said.