A Clare man has been charged with the murder of nightclub security man Brian Fitzgerald in Limerick nearly four years ago.
Anthony Kelly (49), Cragg House, Kilrush, Co Clare, was appearing yesterday before Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick District Court.
Mr Kelly was charged with the murder of Mr Fitzgerald (34) at Brookhaven Walk, Mill Road, Corbally, Limerick, on November 29th, 2002.
Mr Fitzgerald, a father of two, was shot dead outside his home as he returned from work in Doc's nightclub in Limerick city.
His killing prompted one of the biggest murder investigations in the history of the Limerick Garda division.
An English national - James Martin Cahill from Birmingham - is currently serving a life sentence for his role in the murder.
Outlining evidence of arrest, charge and caution yesterday, Det Garda Paul Ryan said Mr Kelly was arrested near Ennis, Co Clare, on Monday night.
The court heard that he made no reply when he was charged with the offence at Mayorstone Garda station in Limerick.
Mr Kelly, who was dressed in a navy and white striped shirt and a black sports jacket, did not speak during the brief court sitting.
Mr Fitzgerald's widow, Alice Fitzgerald, sat in the public gallery of the court, just a few feet from Mr Kelly, flanked by a female detective.
Insp Tom O'Brien said it was the State's application to have Mr Mr Kelly remanded in custody to October 24th.
Mr Kelly's solicitor, Eugene O'Kelly, said he had no questions about the details of arrest, charge and caution but he said that he intended to apply for bail.
Judge Tom O'Donnell said he had no jurisdiction in relation to bail on a charge of murder and told the solicitor that it was a matter for the High Court.
Mr O'Kelly told Judge O'Donnell that there was no possibility of his client being considered a "flight risk".
His client had travelled out of the country several times since he was "spectacularly arrested" and questioned about this crime, the court heard.
The defence solicitor said that Mr Kelly had previously surrendered his passport to the Garda and that it had been returned to him.
He added that every step of the case had been reported in "a lurid fashion" by members of the media.
Judge O'Donnell reminded Mr O'Kelly that the charge before the court was murder and said that any matters relating to a bail application should be directed towards the High Court.
He remanded Mr Kelly in custody to appear again before Limerick District Court on October 24th at 10.30am.