Pictured: Grafton Street stab murder victim Qayyum Balogun as campaigners call for justice

This is the tragic nightclub promoter who died in a horrific stab murder amid a row at a club in Dublin’s Grafton Street. The first picture has emerged of Qayyum Balogun (21), who died after he was stabbed three times in a suspected targeted attack during an event at the club in Bewley’s on Grafton Street at around 3am on Bank Holiday Monday morning. It comes as several friends and organisations have paid tribute to the young man - who was a student and nightclub promoter who had been living in Dundalk, Co Louth. His family originates from Nigeria - and his devastated father has been making his way to Ireland from there after hearing the news.

Gardai are now set to launch a murder investigation into the death - after it is suspected that Qayyum was targeted twice during the course of the incident - including being hunted down as he ran for his life. We have established that he was stabbed in the arm in the initial attack on Grafton Street - before being pursued onto nearby Clarendon Street, where he was attacked again, this time with fatal consequences. Today several tributes have poured out for the young victim. The Black and Irish organisation stated: “Qayyum Balogun, aged 21, had his life taken far too soon. “Today our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him as they face unimaginable loss.

We must also acknowledge the impact this tragedy will have on many young people, families and communities across Ireland. “As a society, we must continue to speak out against the violence that has claimed too many lives in recent weeks. Violence has no place in our communities, and it is important to remember that serious crime is not exclusive to any one community or background.” Meanwhile the Black Coalition of Ireland stated that it was “deeply saddened” by his death and extended its condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him. “A young man with dreams, hopes, talents, and a future ahead of him has been taken too soon. Behind every headline is a family whose world has been shattered, friends whose lives will never be the same, and a community struggling to make sense of yet another devastating act of violence,” they added. “Communities across Ireland are grappling with growing concerns about violence, youth safety, and the increasing presence of knife-related incidents.

While investigations must be allowed to proceed, one thing is clear: every life lost to violence is one life too many. “Knife crime, and any form of violence, does not only claim lives; it destroys futures. It leaves lasting wounds on parents, siblings, friends, classmates, and entire communities. It creates fear where there should be hope, trauma where there should be healing, and division where there should be unity.” The Coalition went on to say that enforcement is not just the answer - but so too is “prevention, social cohesion, and collective responsibility. “We must build stronger bridges between families, schools, youth organisations, community groups, faith communities, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies. We must create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, supported, and empowered.

We must invest in opportunities that offer hope, purpose, mentorship, and pathways to success,” they continued. The Africa Solidarity Centre also issued a statement expressing its “profound shock, sadness and outrage,” following the death. “The Africa Solidarity Centre Ireland unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and criminality. We call for a thorough, independent, transparent and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Qayyum Balogun. Those responsible for any criminal acts must be identified, prosecuted and fully held accountable through due process and rule of law,” they said.

Yesterday sources told us how Mr Balogun, who was studying at Maynooth University in Co Kildare, was chased about 100 metres from Grafton Street to nearby Clarendon Street -where he was attacked again. It is understood he was stabbed twice more there - with one wound being a fatal injury to his chest. The attack happened just before 3am on Bank Holiday Monday. Mr Balogun, who worked part-time as a DJ and promoter, is understood to have been attending a gig at Bewley’s on Grafton Street on Monday morning.

It’s understood he was targeted on the street after the gig. Sources also told us that a young woman was stabbed in the initial incident, which involved several people. We have been told that the woman was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and had no connection to Mr Balogun or the row itself. After being stabbed in the arm, Mr Balogun is understood to have fled the scene along Johnson’s Court, an alleyway that leads to Clarendon Street.

His attackers ran after him and caught up with him on Clarendon Street - where one of them delivered the fatal blows. Gardai were alerted just before 3am and rushed to the scene. A unit patrolling in central Dublin reached the scene within four minutes. They performed CPR on Mr Balogun at the scene before paramedics arrived and rushed him to St James's Hospital.

But, despite the best efforts of medics there, he lost his fight for life a short time later. Gardai have appealed for anyone with camera footage of the area before and after the attack to come forward. It said in a statement: “Gardaí in Pearse Street are investigating a fatal assault which occurred on Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 in the early hours of this morning Monday 1st June, 2026. “Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident on Grafton Street where a male was found in a serious condition at approximately 3a.m. “The male, aged 21 years was removed from the scene to taken to St. James's Hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. “The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course. “The scene is currently preserved for technical examination. “A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation.

An incident room has been established at Pearse Street Garda station. “A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family of the deceased.” A spokeswoman for Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said on Monday that he had been briefed on the death - and appealed for anyone with information to contact gardai. The spokeswoman said: “Minister O'Callaghan has been briefed on an incident overnight on Clarendon Street in Dublin resulting in the death of a 21 year male. He wishes to extend his condolences to the deceased man's family at this time. “The Minister joins An Garda Siochana in appealing to those who may have witnessed the incident or possesses camera footage to contact Pearse Street Garda Station or the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111.” And local Sinn Féin councillor Kourtney Kenny also urged witnesses to come forward. He said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of a young 21-year-old man following a violent incident in Dublin city centre in the early hours of Monday morning. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones as they come to terms with this devastating loss.

No family should ever have to receive such heartbreaking news. “I want to unequivocally condemn this act of violence. No one should lose their life in such a brutal and senseless manner. Every person has the right to feel safe in our city, whether they are working, socialising, travelling home or simply going about their daily lives. “An Garda Síochána has launched a full investigation into this incident, and I urge anyone who was in the Grafton Street and Clarendon Street area between 2am and 3.30am on Monday morning, or who may have CCTV, dashcam or other footage, to come forward and assist Gardaí with their enquiries.” “Even information that may seem insignificant could prove vital to the investigation. Anyone with information should contact Pearse Street Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line, or their local Garda station.” Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.