Man (30s) arrested after well-known businessman dies in suspected stabbing in Co Donegal

"Gardaí in Donegal are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a male at a location near Ardara in the early hours of Monday, 5th January 2026. At approximately 3.50am, gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an assault at a domestic residence outside the town. A male in his 60s was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene."

"The scene is preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The office of the State Pathologist has been notified. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballyshannon garda station. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to support the family of the deceased. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyshannon garda station on 071 9858 530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station."

A man in his mid-60s was pronounced dead after emergency services were alerted to a home outside Ardara shortly before 4am on 5 January 2026. Investigators believe the victim suffered fatal stab injuries, although a post-mortem examination has yet to be carried out. A man in his 30s was arrested at a different location in relation to the assault and is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a garda station in County Donegal. The victim was a well-known and highly respected businessman in Donegal. The scene is preserved for technical examination, the State Pathologist has been notified, a Senior Investigating Officer and Family Liaison Officer have been appointed, and an incident room has been established. Members of the public with information are asked to contact Ballyshannon garda station, the Garda Confidential Line, or any garda station.

Read at Irish Independent