A 23-year old man charged with the murder of Sharon Whelan, who was found dead with her two young daughters in their home on Christmas morning, has been remanded in custody.
Brian Hennessy, of Windgap, Co Kilkenny wept as he waited for his case to be called at Kilkenny District Court today.
Ms Whelan (30) and her daughters Zsara (7) and two-year-old Nadia were found dead in their home at Roscon near Windgap, Co Kilkenny, on Christmas morning after neighbours spotted smoke coming from their rented farmhouse.
Mr Hennessy is charged with the murder of Sharon Whelan and with two counts of criminal damage to a property and endangering the lives of Zsara and Nadia.
He was initially charged before a special sitting of Kilkenny District Court on Saturday night.
Detective Sgt Jim Lyng of Kilkenny Garda station had told the court the accused had replied “I am guilty” to each of the three charges when they were put to him.
Supt Gerry Redmond of Thomastown Garda station made an application for Mr Hennessy to be remanded in custody to Cloverhill court in two weeks' time.
Solicitor Anthony Canny said he had no objection to this and that he had no applications to make at this stage.
Judge William Harnett remanded Mr Hennessy to appear at Cloverhill District Court on February 2nd.