Victim's family seek good in murders

The family of one of two Polish men murdered in a vicious street stabbing have said they hope some good can come from the killings.

And in a mark of the widespread revulsion to the killings, President Mary McAleese will attend a special memorial service at the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel Drimnagh tomorrow night.

In a letter issued through the Polish Embassy, the family of Marius Szwajkos paid tribute to all those who had offered them support over the last week.

"There are no frontiers for evil and right. After passing away of our Mariusz we've lost a part of our life for ever and it will no longer be the same," the family said.

"We'd like to believe that tragic death of two young men will not turn out to be senseless and will result in public discussion about increasing level of aggression within youth.

Pawel Kalite, 26, and Mr Szwajkos, 27, were attacked and stabbed with a screwdriver near their home in Drimnagh, south Dublin after a row involving a gang of youths.

They both died from their injuries last week.

More than 2,000 people attended a silent vigil near the scene of the attack on Saturday evening including hundreds of locals and members of the Polish community.

Prayers were offered in Polish and English with the letter from the families offering thanks for the support they have received.

Polish people in Dublin also gathered at their weekly mass at St Audoem's Church, High Street where prayers were being offered for the two men.

Drimnagh Parish Priest Fr Martin Cosgrove said the community had been deeply hurt by the killings.

"It is hoped this service will allow all of us to reflect on not just what has happened this week, but over many years, that has brought unnecessary tragedy and heartbreak to so many people," he said.

Mr Kalite and Mr Szwajkos, who came to Ireland last year to work, were stabbed in the head and throat outside their rented home at Benbulbin Road over a week ago.