A man accused of murdering Kerry farmer Michael Gaine is due to appear in person at Tralee District Court next week when it is expected the book of evidence in the case will be ready.

Michael Kelley, a US national of no fixed abode, appeared again today (Wednesday, May 20) before the court via video link from Cork prison.

The 54-year-old is charged with the murder of Michael Gaine on a date unknown between March 20 and March 21, 2025 at Carrig, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

Court

Sergeant Chris Manton told Judge David Waters that the book of evidence in the case was not available today.

He said it was the State's application to remand Michael Kelley in custody for a week and for the accused to appear in person at Tralee District Court on Wednesday, May 27.

Sergeant Manton told the court that the book of evidence will be available then.

Solicitor for Michael Kelley, Pat Mann, consented to the application.

Mann confirmed with his client that he understood that he would be brought to the court in person next week.

The solicitor also asked Kelley to phone him tomorrow morning, to which Kelley replied: "Yes, I will".

Judge David Waters remanded Michael Kelley in custody to reappear at Tralee District Court in person on May 27.

Farmer

Michael Gaine, a suckler and sheep farmer, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, on March 21, 2025.

The 56-year-old had been last seen in Kenmare town on the previous day.

On April 29, 2025, gardaí upgraded their investigation on the missing Kerry farmer to homicide.

Gardaí confirmed on May 25 that human remains that had been found on lands owned by Michael Gaine were those of the missing farmer.

Michael Kelley was charged with Michael Gaine's murder in February.