A US national charged with the murder of Co. Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has been further remanded in custody.

54-year-old Michael Kelley, of no fixed abode, appeared before Tralee District Court via video link this morning (Wednesday, March 4).

He 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

During this morning's brief court hearing, Kelley only spoke to confirm his name and that he could see and hear the proceedings.

Court presenter Sergeant Chris Manton told the court that the State's application was to have the accused remanded in custody.

Solicitor for Michael Kelley, Pat Mann said there was no objection to this application.

He said that a High Court bail application is being formulated on behalf of his client.

Judge David Waters previously noted that no application for bail can be made on a murder charge at the district court.

Judge Waters remanded Michael Kelley in custody to reappear before Tralee District Court on March 18.

The court was told that the book of evidence is unlikely to be ready on that date.

Farmer

Michael Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, on Friday, March 21 last year.

The 56-year-old suckler and sheep farmer was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Gardaí had initially launched a missing person investigation into the disappearance of Michael Gaine but this was upgraded in April to a homicide investigation.

On May 25, 2025, gardaí confirmed that human remains found on lands owned by Michael Gaine were those of the missing farmer.