Man charged with the murder of his mother in Sligo

Nigel Canavan was remanded in custody to Castlerea Prison

Mother-of-two Angela Canavan was originally from Mayo but had been living alone at St John’s Terrace in Sligo town for the previous six or seven years.

A 38-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his mother in Sligo last year.

Nigel Canavan of 16 Erris Gardens, Erris Street, Crossmolina, Co Mayo, was brought before Judge Michael Connellan at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on Tuesday morning where he was charged with the murder of Angela Canavan at her home in Sligo on May 1, 2023.

Detective Garda Eamon McDonnell gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of the accused at his home in Crossmolina at 4.10pm on Monday.

Canavan was brought to Sligo Garda Station and formally charged at 5.49pm. The court heard that when cautioned the defendant replied: “Not guilty.” 

Det. Garda McDonnell told the court that the DPP’s directions were that the charge was an indictable offence of murder and directed that the accused be tried at the Central Criminal Court.

Inspector Melissa Martin made an application to the court to remand the accused in custody to Castlerea Prison to appear via video link before Sligo District Court on Thursday, January 18. Judge Connellan granted the application and remanded Canavan in custody to January 18.

Defence solicitor, John Anderson, made an application for legal aid which was granted. There was no application made for bail.

Mother-of-two Angela Canavan was originally from Mayo but had been living alone at St John’s Terrace in Sligo town for the previous six or seven years.

Her body was discovered at her home shortly after 8.30pm on the evening of Monday, May 1, 2023.