Taxi driver who was stabbed described as ‘hard-working family man’

Mr Mulligan – who was found dead near his auto this morning – suffered a “particularly violent death”.

Mulligan is from the local area and had started work driving his taxi from around 9.30pm on Sunday evening.

The club yesterday posted a tribute to the murdered taxi driver, writing: “Sean O’Mahonys would like to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Martin Mulligan from the Lower Point Road”.

53 year old Mr Mulligan was discovered near his silver/beige coloured Skoda Octavia at Carnmore, Kilcurry County Louth in the early hours of this morning.

Gardai are keeping an open mind in their investigations but have not discounted robbery as a possible motive for the attack.

Gardaí are checking CCTV in Dundalk to establish if Mr Mulligan picked up a passenger from the street or a rank in the town.

The victim was pronounced dead and his body remains at the scene, which has been preserved for a technical examination.

Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis carried out a preliminary examination of the body at the scene of the killing.

Two cars, including the taxi, were also taken from the scene for further forensic tests.

Family members visited the scene this morning.

His body remained there throughout most of the day, shielded by a blue Garda forensic tent, before being transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda.

An incident room has been established at Dundalk Garda Station.

The investigation is being led by Superintendent Gerry Curley who described the victim as a “family man”.

Chairperson of Dundalk Municipal District, Maria Doyle, described the death of the taxi man as “horrific”.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information or who may have been in Mr Mulligan’s taxi last night or were in the Carn More/Kilcurry area between 1am and 3.30am to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042-9388400, the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111 or any garda station.