LAST UPDATE | 25 Feb

A 54-YEAR-OLD MAN has appeared at a sitting of Tralee District Court this afternoon, charged with the murder of Kenmare farmer Michael Gaine.

Michael Kelley, of no fixed abode but with a recent address in Tralee, is charged with murdering the sheep farmer between the 20 and 21 March 2025, the court heard. 

Evidence of the arrest, charge and caution at Castleisland Garda Station at 3.06pm today was given by the arresting garda, Detective Sergeant Mark O’Sullivan of Killarney Garda Station.

Michael Kelley was handed a copy of the charge and legally cautioned and had made no reply, the detective said.

Garda Sergeant Chris Manton said the State’s application was for the man to be remanded in custody,

Solicitor Patrick Mann, for the accused, said bail has to be a matter for the High Court given the nature of the charge and he had explained this to his client. 

Judge David Waters remanded Michael Kelley in custody to appear via video link before the court on 4 March.

Handed a statement of means by the solicitor, Judge Waters noted the accused was on supplementary welfare of €150 per week and he granted legal aid.