A 54-year-old man has appeared at Tralee District Court charged with the murder of Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine.

Michael Kelley was charged with the murder of Michael Gaine between March 20 and March 21, 2025 at Carrig, Kenmare, Kerry.

Kelley was remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Mark O'Sullivan told Tralee District Court that the accused was charged at 3.06p.m today (Wednesday, February 25) at Castleisland Garda Station.

Detective Sergeant O'Sullivan also told the court that Kelley made no reply when charged.

Solicitor for the accused, Pat Mann, presented a statement of means to the court which outlined that that Kelley is receipt of a weekly allowance of €150.

Judge David Waters remanded Michael Kelley in custody to appear via video link at Tralee District Court on March 4 for the book of evidence to be served.

Judge Waters granted free legal aid.

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

Michael Kelley, who is originally from the United States, did not speak during the short court hearing today.

Michael Gaine

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

The 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.