Man charged over killing of Ger Kennelly (36) alleged to have stabbed him in leg and fled scene

Kieran Brady (35) of Athea in Co Limerick was brought to a special sitting of Listowel District Court this evening.

The court heard that at 5.17pm this evening, Mr Brady was charged with the manslaughter of Mr Kennelly. He made no reply to gardaí when charged.

Detective Garda Tim Walsh applied for Mr Brady to be remanded in custody, but Mr Brady’s solicitor, Pat Mann, objected to this and said he would apply for bail for his client.

Judge Alan Mitchell asked the public to leave the court for the bail hearing. This included the family of the deceased.

Garda Walsh said gardaí were opposed to bail as he is charged with manslaughter, which he said is considered a serious crime and, if convicted, would result in a custodial sentence.

Gardaí said that their opposition to bail was also based on the nature and strength of the evidence.

Garda Walsh told the court the accused was a passenger in a grey BMW that approached a second vehicle, outside a pub, in which Mr Kennelly was a passenger.

Mr Brady alighted from the BMW, the court was told, and approached the other vehicle, opening the passenger door. It is alleged he kicked and punched Mr Kennelly, and stabbed him in the left leg with a knife.

The deceased was driven a short distance away and died as a result of his injuries.

Gardaí believe that Mr Brady fled the scene and disposed of the knife by throwing it out the car window. The weapon has not been recovered, the court heard.

It is alleged that Mr Brady took a shower when he got home at Upper Athea, and disposed of the clothing he was wearing at the time of the alleged offence.

CCTV from a nearby pub captured the incident, gardaí said, adding that it corroborates with several witness statements.

Garda Walsh said no bail conditions would alleviate his concerns.

Mr Mann argued that there was no evidence to prove his client took a shower. However, gardaí said they found wet clothes at the accused’s house, and these matched what Mr Brady was seen wearing on CCTV.

Mr Mann said this was not in the summary of evidence.

Mr Mann outlined Mr Brady’s personal circumstances, saying he has a partner, a child, and another child on the way. He said he could be dealt with by way of strict conditions including a curfew and signing on at a garda station.

He said Mr Brady’s passport is out of date, which would alleviate concerns.

Judge Alan Mitchell refused bail. Mr Brady was remanded in custody and will appear before Killarney District Court on June 4 for DPP directions.