US national held in custody over murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine

A US national charged with murdering Co. Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has been remanded in custody at Tralee District Court. A High Court bail application is being prepared.

US national further remanded over Kerry farmer murder

Google News IE — Crime (en) reports that Michael Kelley, 54, a US national of no fixed abode, has been further remanded in custody in connection with the murder of Co. Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.

Kelley appeared before Tralee District Court via video link on Wednesday, March 4, charged with the murder of Michael Gaine on a date unknown between March 20 and March 21, 2025, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

During the brief hearing, Kelley spoke only to confirm his name and that he could follow the proceedings. Court presenter Sergeant Chris Manton told the court the State was seeking remand in custody. Solicitor Pat Mann, appearing for Kelley, did not object and indicated that a High Court bail application is being formulated on his client's behalf.

Judge David Waters, who previously noted that bail applications on murder charges cannot be made at district court level, remanded Kelley in custody to reappear before Tralee District Court on March 18. The court was told the book of evidence is unlikely to be ready by that date.

Michael Gaine, a 56-year-old 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.

Gardaí initially opened a missing person investigation, which was upgraded to a homicide investigation in April. 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)