Man appears in court charged with murder of father-of-four Michael ‘Mickey’ Foley (61) in Cork

Daniel Hourigan (31) appeared before Judge James McNulty at Bandon District Court charged in connection with the death of Michael 'Mickey' Foley (61) in Macroom on February 6 last.

Evidence of arrest, caution and charge was given to the court by Det Garda Danielle Hegarty of Macroom Garda Station.

She said that Hourigan - of no fixed abode and with an address at Cork Simon - was formally charged at 11.15am today.

The defendant made no reply to the charge when it was formally put to him.

Judge McNulty noted that Hourigan is charged with the murder of Michael Foley at a date unknown between January 31 and February 1 last in Macroom.

The charge is brought contrary to Common Law.

Solicitor Eddie Burke was confirmed as acting for the defendant.

Mr Burke pointed out that Hourigan is in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance and he applied for free legal aid for his client.

Judge McNulty granted free legal aid and also agreed to a defence application that Hourigan receive all necessary medical treatment while in custody.

The court was told that he has various addiction issues.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 16th

Judge McNulty noted that as the charge involved is murder, bail cannot be dealt with by the district court.

Any bail application has to be taken before the High Court.

Judge McNulty agreed to a State application for the defendant to be remanded in custody to appear again before Clonakilty District Court next Tuesday (February 20).

That appearance will be via video-link.

The defendant remained silent throughout the brief court hearing except for pointing out that he has nerve trauma issues with his left hand.

A woman in her 30s who was arrested last Wednesday for questioning in respect of Mr Foley's death was released without charge early on Friday.

Gardaí are now preparing a file on the matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).