Man remanded over Clare murder

A man has been remanded in custody charged in connection with the murder of Ballyvaughan woman Deirdre McCarthy.

At a special sitting of Ennis District Court, Colm Deeley (39) of School Road, Ballyvaughan appeared charged with the murder of the guesthouse worker at a place unknown in Co Clare on March 28th.

The body of Ms McCarthy (43) was found washed up at Fanore beach on March 31st. She was last seen alive on Sunday, March 27th and was reported missing the following day.

Det Garda Thomas Molloy of Ennistymon Garda station gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr Deeley at Ennis Garda station at 8.14pm last night.

The court heard Mr Deeley said after caution: “I’m very sorry for what happened”.

Dressed in a navy trousers, navy jumper, white shirt and black shoes, Mr Deeley remained impassive during the short hearing.

Solicitor for the accused Gearoid Geraghty told the court that Mr Deeley is a married man with two young children. Applying for legal aid, he said his client is a part-time FÁS worker who is employed three days a week.

Judge Joseph Mangan granted legal aid.

Supt Colm O’Sullivan of Ennistymon Garda station said that it was the State’s application that Mr Deeley be remanded in custody.

Mr Geraghty did not oppose the application.

Judge Mangan remanded Mr Deeley in custody to re-appear before Ennistymon District Court sitting in Kilrush next Wednesday.

Relatives and friends of Ms McCarthy sat at the back of the court for the five minute hearing with relatives of Mr Deeley sitting on the opposite side of the court.

Ms McCarthy’s funeral took place in Ballvaughan on Tuesday.