Man (30s) due in court following fatal assault in Kerry while second man (20s) remains in custody

Gerard (Ger) Kennelly (36) died following an alleged assault in the rural village just after midnight.

The alleged incident is understood to have happened outside the local pub. It is believed Mr Kennelly was stabbed several times during the incident, which led to an artery being cut.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted at around 12.30am. Upon arrival, they discovered the man with fatal injuries. They launched an investigation into the fatal assault.

The man in his 30s was arrested on Monday morning. A second man in his 20s was arrested on Monday afternoon and is still being questioned by gardaí.

The Kerryman has spoken to locals in Knockanure who said they would have never expected anything like this to happen in such a quiet area.

The victim is well-known in the village and his parents both live in the area. It is understood he had spent time in Australia and he has several siblings living there.

Councillor Robert Beasley said Mr Kennelly is from a very respected and well-known family. He offered his condolences to the family.

“It’s devastating for the local population. They’re a hard-working family. I knew them all my life. It’s just a very unfortunate situation,” said Mr Beasley.

“I wouldn’t have known him personally but I just know from his family that he came from very well got people in the locality. It’s very sad.

“It’s not something you expect out in the country. When you hear about things like this, you never expect it to happen on your own doorstep.

“I’d also like to offer my condolences to the family and to the entire community as well because they will be very shaken by this.”

Another local described Mr Kennelly as a “fellow with a heart of gold”.

Today’s News in 90 seconds – 28th May 2024

Officers from the Garda Technical Bureau carried out searches in an area around the local pub in Knockanure.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and an incident room has been established at Listowel garda station.

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information in relation to this incident.

Any road users who were travelling in the vicinity of Knockanure village, which is located between Listowel and Moyvane, between midnight and 1am and may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make this available.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Listowel garda station on 068 50820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800, 666 111 or any garda station.