A 23-YEAR-OLD man appeared before a special court sitting in Limerick at the weekend charged with the murder of Shane Geoghegan.
Barry Doyle originally from Portland Row, Dublin, but with an address at Hyde Road, Limerick, was charged with the murder of the 28-year-old rugby player at Clonmore, Kilteragh, Limerick, on November 9th last.
Mr Doyle was one of 16 people arrested last week as part of the Garda inquiry into the death of Mr Geoghegan, who was shot dead just yards from his home in a case of mistaken identity.
Eight men and eight women were arrested in pre-planned searches in Limerick, Dublin and Co Tipperary.
The majority of those taken into custody were arrested in Limerick city, where 120 gardaí were involved in interviewing the suspects at separate Garda stations over a number of days.
All of those remaining in custody were released over the weekend, and some are expected to appear in court over the coming days on unrelated matters.
There was a large Garda presence for Saturday’s special court sitting at Limerick District Court.
Up to 20 detectives, including members of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, were present in the court room, while members of an armed Regional Support Unit patrolled the area outside.
Det Garda Seán Lynch of Roxboro Garda station in Limerick gave evidence of arresting and formally charging Mr Doyle at 3.15pm on Saturday at Bruff Garda station in Co Limerick.
Judge Tom O’Donnell was told that Mr Doyle replied “I have nothing to say” in response to the charge.
Solicitor Michael O’Donnell was appointed to represented Mr Doyle, who was assigned free legal aid.
Insp Seamus Ruane said the State was seeking to have the accused remanded in custody until Friday.
Dressed in a grey and white hoodie and jeans, Mr Doyle remained silent throughout the brief court hearing.
Limerick’s most senior garda, Chief Supt Gerry Mahon, was also present for the special court sitting.
Judge Tom O’Donnell said because of the nature of the charge the issue of bail was a matter for the High Court.
He remanded Mr Doyle in custody to appear before the same court again on Friday.