Tributes to rugby star stabbed to death at student house party
Appeal for witnesses as murder probe launched I share the shock of everyone who lives in this community
A MURDER probe has been officially launched following the stabbing of rugby star Cameron Blair.
The 20-year-old was knifed in the neck when a group of men gatecrashed a house party in Cork and were asked to leave.
Cameron was rushed to hospital shortly after 9.20pm on Thursday where he passed away from his injuries.
The death of the second year engineering student has sent shockwaves through his native Ballinascarthy.
Tributes poured in for the accomplished rugby player who is survived by his parents Noel and Cathy and his brother Alan.
Cork Institute of Technology said Cameron was “a valued member of our community” and extended their sympathies to his family.
President Barry O’connor, said in a statement the college will be offering counselling and will work with CIT Students’ Union to help people cope with the tragedy.
The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton, said the death “shocked everyone in Cork and further afield”.
He added: “As news was breaking on Thursday of
In rugby jersey a stabbing incident on Bandon Road, a short distance from my own home here in Cork, I tweeted my message of horror and sent my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the young man, his family and friends.
“I now know he was Cameron Blair. He was well-known in his local community as a rugby player and athlete.
“I share the shock of everyone who lives in this neighbourhood, particularly the student community who are so much at the heart of this area.”
Cameron played rugby with Bandon Rugby Club and is a former pupil at Bandon Grammar School, which also extended their sympathies.
The school said in a statement: “Our community is deeply affected, particularly senior students as the
PROBE deceased still has family members in the school. The management and staff extend our sincere condolences go to the family and friends. Students are being cared for and counselled.”
Bandon Rugby Club president Dan Murphy added the tragedy “will be felt really deeply within our club where Cameron was a very popular member and current player”.
Bandon Athletic Club also paid tribute, saying Cameron “was a member of the club for a number of years competing at local and national level winning medals at West Cork, County, Munster and
National” level. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.” Gardai are investigating witness reports a group of men unknown to the students entered the property in the Bandon Road area and an altercation occurred on Thursday night.
Cameron was stabbed and collapsed after staggering out on to the street.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to Cork University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The area is popular for students of both CIT and University College Cork, and the street was busy on Thursday night as students returned to the city after their Christmas break.
Gardai are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them in relation to Cameron’s death.
A Garda spokesman said: “No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
“Gardai are appealing for anyone who has any information to contact us.
“Anyone who was in the Bandon Road area between 8pm and 10pm who witnessed anything or anyone with dash cam or mobile phone footage is asked to contact Togher Garda station on 021 494 7120, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
TALENTED
DR PAUL COLTON YESTERDAY