THE victim of a fatal stabbing in Tallaght during the early hours of this morning has been named locally as tributes pour in.
Jordan ‘Paco’ Pakenham, 20, was knifed in the Drumcairn estate in Dublin’s Tallaght early yesterday.
Gardai and emergency services found Pakenham with stab wounds when they were called to the estate at around 4am this morning.
The young man was taken to Tallaght University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing and is being quizzed today.
As the garda investigation continues, devastated family and friends spoke of their shock at Pakenham’s death.
One said: “I’ve no words you sweet sweet kind hearted gentle soul we all knew and loved you as!
“Your gonna be missed by so many man , including meself!
“Rest easy Paco gone way too soon. Thinking of all your family.”
Blasting the violent nature of his death, they added: “It’s disgusting… the pain I’m feeling, I can’t imagine what they’re going through. He had the nicest character, it stood out from a mile away! Heartbreaking.”
Another declared: “Rest in peace Jordan Pakenham.
“Your whole life ahead of you thinking of the boys your girlfriend and family.
“May you get the best bed in heaven.”
Many tributes highlighted how Pakenham would be “reunited” with childhood pal, Kyle Finnegan Hooper, who died in 2018 after suffering an asthma attack at the age of just 12.
One said: “Rest in peace Jordan Pakenham such sad news to wake up to this morning.
“May God give you the best bed in heaven your up there with Kyle now please give your family the strength to get trew this.
“Too good for this horrible world such a lovely kid.”
‘Community in shock’
Local councillors told the Irish Sun the Tallaght area had been left reeling.
Cllr Mick Duff said: “There is a lot of shock in the community that such an incident could take place.
“There is genuine shock.
“There will be impact on all parties involved.”
Cops confirmed a suspect had been arrested over the fatal stabbing.
Probe ongoing
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí in Tallaght continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the death of a man (20s) which occurred at a location in the Drumcairn Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, in the early hours of Friday 26th July 2024.
“Just before 4am, Gardaí and emergency services received a report and attended the scene of a male with a serious injury. The man (20s) was conveyed from the scene to Tallaght University Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
“The coroner has been notified. A post-mortem examination will be carried out by the State Pathologist in due course.
“The scene is preserved for technical examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau.
“A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and an incident room has been established at Tallaght Garda Station.
“A Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to keep the deceased man’s family informed of developments.
Appeal
“A male (30s) was arrested this morning in connection with the investigation and is currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a Dublin Garda Station.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Cops issued an appeal for any witnesses to the attack or anyone with video recordings – including motorists with dash-cam footage – to contact officers.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the Drumcairn Estate area of Tallaght, Dublin 24, between 3am and 4am Friday 26th July 2024.
“Additionally, individuals with video recordings, including motorists with dash cams, from the area within the timeframe are asked to provide footage to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information that can assist Gardaí with this investigation is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
