A 41-year- old man appeared before a special sitting of Killarney District Court on Saturday night, charged with the murder of his brother. 

Fergus O’Connor of The Village, Scartaglin, Co Kerry, was charged with the murder of Padraig O’Connor, aged 42, on 28 June, 2024. 

Detective Sgt Ernie Henderson, called by Inspector Eoin O’Donovan for the DPP,  gave evidence to the court  of arrest, charge, and caution at Tralee Garda Station yesterday afternoon.

The accused made no reply to the charge after caution, he said.

Padraig O’Connell, solicitor, said he had no questions on procedure. Judge Joanne Carroll said she had no jurisdiction in the matter of bail and would be remanding Fergus O’Connor in custody. 

Mr O’Connell said he would be applying for bail for his client in the High Court on Thursday next. 

He did not want to go into the details in open court, but he also said he would be asking that his client get necessary medical attention, the solicitor said.

Judge Carroll directed that Mr O’Connor receive all appropriate medical attention and his prescribed medication while in custody.

The accused is on disability, Mr O’Connell said, applying for legal aid.

Mr O’Connell said that it was important to point out that the accused was operating on the basis of self-defence, the solicitor said.

“He has denied the allegation of murder,” Mr O’Connell said. 

Judge Carroll noted that Mr O’Connor intends to plead self-defence.

The accused was dressed in a blue tracksuit top. A number of relatives were in court.

Judge Carroll remanded him in custody to Cork Prison. He is to appear via video link on Wednesday 3 July at Tralee District Court.