Man charged with murder

A CLARE man told gardaí “I killed the devil” after being charged yesterday with the murder of 21-year-old law student Eoin Ryan.

At a special sitting of Ennis District Court last night, Joe Heffernan, aged 31, of Cappabeg, Barefield was charged with murdering Mr Ryan on Tuesday, June 7.

Mr Ryan’s body was found in a field at Cappabeg, Barefield, early on Tuesday morning.

Giving evidence of Heffernan’s arrest, charge and caution at 5.40pm at Ennis garda station yesterday, Garda Donagh Walsh told the court Heffernan said after caution: “I killed the devil.”

Solicitor for Heffernan, John Casey, said his client “is in need of medical attention and medical assistance”.

Mr Casey said he spoke to the clinical director of the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin, Prof Harry Kennedy, earlier yesterday about Heffernan and Prof Kennedy said that there is a bed ready and waiting for him at the hospital.

“I know you cannot remand him to the Central Mental Hospital, but I have asked the prison authorities to do their best to get him to the Central Mental Hospital, as it would be the most appropriate place for him,” Mr Casey told Judge Mangan. Mr Casey said he also spoke with local consultant psychiatrist, Dr John O’Mahony, in relation to Heffernan.

Flanked by two detectives for the five-minute hearing, Heffernan — wearing a blue hoodie and tracksuit bottoms — kept his head bowed. Mr Casey also sought legal aid. Judge Joseph Mangan granted legal aid after Supt Peter Duff of Ennis garda station said that it was a suitable case.

Supt Duff applied that Heffernan be remanded in custody to reappear before Ennis District Court tomorrow. Mr Casey consented.

Mr Casey agreed with Judge Mangan that there was no need to make recommendations to the prison authorities, as things will take their course.