Brother (41) charged with murder of Padraig O’Connor in Kerry

41-year old Fergus O’Connor appeared at a special sitting of Killarney District Court, presided over by Judge Joanne Carroll, where he was charged with the murder of his brother Padraig O’Connor.

He was represented by solicitor Padraig O’Connell.

Mr O’Connor, from Scartaglen, is charged with the murder of his 42-year old brother at 32 An Caisleán Mór on Friday June 28, 2024.

Detective Sergeant Ernie Henderson told the court he arrested Mr O’Connor at Tralee Garda Station at 4.45pm on June 29 and he was charged with murder at 5.20pm.

As it is a murder charge bail must be applied for in the High Court.

Mr O’Connell told the court that the allegation against Mr O’Connor was one of the ‘fratricide’. He said the accused was operating on the basis of self-defence and he denied the murder charge. Judge Carroll said she noted he would be pleading self-defence.

Mr O’Connell said he would be applying for bail for Mr O’Connor in the High Court next Thursday. He also asked that his client be provided with all the necessary medical treatment while in custody adding he would not discuss this in open court.

Mr O’Connell said his client was on disability and Judge Carroll granted legal aid Mr O’Connor has been remanded in custody to Cork Prison to appear via video link at Tralee District Court next Wednesday, July 3.