US national remanded again over murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine

Michael Kelley, 54, appeared via video link at Tralee District Court on Wednesday. The book of evidence is not yet ready in the case.

US man held in Cork prison as murder case progresses slowly

A US national accused of murdering Co. Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has been remanded in custody for a further two weeks, Google News IE — Crime (en) reports, citing proceedings at Tralee District Court on Wednesday, March 18.

Michael Kelley, 54, of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge David Waters via video link from Cork Prison. Dressed in a green polo shirt, Kelley confirmed his name and that he could see and hear the proceedings. He also greeted his solicitor, Pat Mann, with "Good morning, Patrick" as the brief hearing got under way.

Kelley is charged with the murder of Michael Gaine on a date unknown between March 20 and March 21, 2025, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

Court presenter Sergeant Chris Manton told Judge Waters that the book of evidence in the case is not yet ready and applied on behalf of the State to have the accused held for a further two weeks. Solicitor Pat Mann said he had "no difficulty" with the application, noting that "our bail application is in transit."

The court previously recorded that bail applications on murder charges cannot be heard at district court level and must be brought before the High Court. Judge Waters granted the State's application and ordered Kelley to reappear at Tralee District Court via video link on April 1, if still in custody.

Michael Gaine, 56, a suckler and sheep farmer, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21. He had last been seen in Kenmare town the previous day, Thursday, March 20, 2025. On May 25, 2025, gardaí confirmed that human remains discovered on lands owned by Gaine were those of the missing farmer.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)