Corkman accused of murdering Kieran Quilligan applying to High Court to be released on bail

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Niall Long in continuing custody until March 12

The human remains of Kieran Quilligan were found at the bottom of an excavated ditch off the Midleton to Whitegate road. Picture: Dan Linehan

A 31-year-old man charged with murdering 47-year-old Kieran Quilligan — whose remains were found in East Cork after being reported missing last September — is applying to the High Court to be released on bail.

Niall Long appeared at Cork District Court on Tuesday by video link from prison. His solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly said that the application for bail was listed before the High Court in Dublin.

Niall Long of 35 St. Michael’s Close, Mahon, Cork, is charged with murder. The charge states that on a date unknown between September 1 2023 and January 29 2024 at an unknown location within the state in the District Court area of Cork city he did murder Kieran Quilligan, contrary to Common Law.

This charge was brought eight days after human remains were found in East Cork and more than five months after Mr Quilligan was reported missing.

When Detective Garda Brian Barron arrested 31-year-old Niall Long and charged him with murder, the accused made no reply.

Sergeant John Kelleher said an adjournment of the case was necessary for directions to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions. “Quite a substantial amount of work will have to be done on this case,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Mr Long in continuing custody until March 12. If High Court bail is granted to him he will have to appear at Cork District Court in person.

Niall Long is charged with murder. Picture: Dan Linehan

On Niall Long’s first appearance when arrested and charged with murder there were emotional scenes as members of the Quilligan family stood and shouted angrily in his direction from the body of the court.

The human remains of Kieran Quilligan were found at the bottom of an excavated ditch off the Midleton to Whitegate road, past Whitewell Cross and the turn off for Rostellan, by a sniffer dog and his handlers.

As well as Niall Long, another man has been charged with murdering Kieran Quilligan, but he is due to appear on a different date at Cork District Court.

This article was updated on February 28, 2024.