Man accused of Kieran Quilligan's murder to face Central Criminal Court trial

Kieran Quilligan's remains were found following an extensive search in East Cork. Photo: Facebook

Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were given on Wednesday for trial at the Central Criminal Court in the case against a man accused of murdering 47-year-old Kieran Quilligan, whose remains were found following an extensive search in East Cork.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis told Cork District Court on Wednesday that the DPP had decided that the case would be dealt with by trial at the Central Criminal Court or by way of a signed plea of guilty at the district court for sentencing at the higher court.

Defence solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, said a book of evidence would be required. Judge Philip O’Leary adjourned the case until October 30 to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence.

32-year-old Niall Long of 35 St. Michael’s Close, Mahon, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court in person on the murder charge as he was granted bail at the High Court in Dublin.

He is charged with the single count which 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.

When originally charged with murder, Niall Long made no reply after caution.

Gardaí started a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains found on Monday, January 29, at Rostellan in East Cork. The late Mr Quilligan had been a missing person since September 2023 and a search had been ongoing.

Assistant state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, carried out a post-mortem examination of the remains at Cork University Hospital. Following this, there was a DNA examination of samples sent to the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory in Dublin, and confirmation that the remains were those of Mr Quilligan.

The human remains 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.