Witnesses have contacted the investigation team in Clontarf, Dublin providing details about where the 50-year-old socialised, last weekend.

Gardai believe that Dennehy could have been murdered by a man he met in a bar or who by prior arrangement he had invited back to his apartment.

Sources say that mobile phone records and gay websites could hold the key to solving the murder. Dennehy was found in his home in Merchamp apartments on Wednesday.

Gardai initially believed that the former Cadbury employee died as a result of sadomasochistic sexual activity because there was a plastic bag over his head, a noose had been placed around his neck and his hands were bound.

However, a post mortem revealed that Dennehy died as a result of a single stab wound to his stomach.

Dennehy told friends that he was gay four years ago and regularly socialised in bars.