The victim of the stabbing, 21-year-old Amy Farrell, was found lying in her front garden in the Glengara estate at Swellan on the outskirts of Cavan town on Friday evening at around 7.30pm. A passing neighbour attempted to resuscitate her, but failed in his efforts.

The front garden of the house was later sealed off by gardai to allow forensic experts examine the scene under blue and white tarpaulin.

Amy Farrell's body was removed to Cavan General Hospital and a postmortem was carried out yesterday by assistant state pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis, to determine the exact cause of death.

Amy Farrell, originally from County Kildare, lived in the Glengara estate in a twostorey semi-detached house with her two-year-old son, Nathan. It is understood the child was not in the house when the incident took place last night. The boy's father was believed to be caring for him yesterday.

Amy Farrell's parents, Barbara and Paul, travelled to Cavan from their family home in Leixlip to take care of their grandson.

Ms Farrell was studying information technology at the Cavan College of Further Studies and worked in a local bank. She is survived by her son, her parents and a younger brother.

It is not known whether the man arrested was known to the victim.