2 brothers charged over fatal shooting

TWO brothers appeared in court last night in connection with the fatal shooting of Packie Hogan near Blarney in Co Cork last week.

One of the men was charged with the murder of the father-of-five while the other was charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm at a special sitting of Cork District Court.

Michael Collins, aged 29, a single unemployed man, from Upper Kilmona, Grenagh, Co Cork, was charged with the murder last Thursday of Mr Hogan at Glen Road, Ballynaraha, Blarney.

His brother, Donnacha Collins, aged 23, was charged with possession of a Romner rifle and ammunition in circumstances which give rise to suspicion that they were not for lawful purposes. Donnacha Collins also has an address at Upper Kilmona, Grenagh.

Both men were granted free legal aid and will be remanded in custody until Thursday, when they will appear before the court at 10.30am.

Mr Hogan, aged 42, was gunned down as he tried to escape a gunman on the Glen Road, near Waterloo Church, at about 3.50pm.

Patrick Hogan was originally from the Rathpeacon/Blarney area but had been living in Carrigaline. He was buried earlier this week.

A third man was arrested in connection with his death but was released without charge.

A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.