Man charged with murdering his mother outside their Cork home

David Gallagher who was charged at Cork District Court. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Urgent psychiatric attention was requested for a 25-year-old man charged with murdering his mother outside the family home in Ballinlough, Cork City, on Monday night.

David Gallagher was charged with murdering his 59-year-old mother, Stella Gallagher, and assault causing harm to his father, 63-year-old Brian Gallagher.

Stella Gallagher.

Solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the young man was being seen by a doctor, approximately once every eight hours since his arrest on Monday night.

Detective Sergeant Niall Hayes testified at the very brief court hearing at Cork District Court on Wednesday that the accused man was formally charged at lunchtime on Wednesday.

The first charge stated: “On November 17, 2025, at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, in the District Court area of Cork city, district number 19, he did murder Stella Gallagher, contrary to common law.” 

The second charge stated: “On November 17, 2025, at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, in the District Court area of Cork city, district number 19, he did assault Brian Gallagher causing him harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.” 

Detective Sgt Hayes testified that he cautioned David Gallagher that he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be written down and could be given in evidence. 

To each charge, the defendant made no reply.

The 25-year-old with long, shaggy hair, wearing a dark sweatshirt and light grey track pants, looked downwards as he sat in the dock and was not required to speak.

No DPP directions are required on the murder charge which will ultimately be dealt with at the Central Criminal Court. 

The Gallagher home in Ballinlough in Cork.

Directions are required on the assault causing harm charge but are not yet given.

Sergeant John Kelleher said that his application was for a remand in custody for seven days on the murder charge.

Judge John King adjourned both charges until November 26 at Cork District Court and directed that the accused should appear by video link from prison.

Mr Collins-Daly said at that point: “He has been assessed on numerous occasions by medical practitioners since Monday. He has seen a doctor on average every eight hours or so. And he is being given medication by those doctors.

“Given the nature of one of the charges the accused is not entitled to make an application for bail. There is consent to a remand in custody for seven days.

“I would ask the court to direct that he receive urgent medical and psychiatric evaluation on his arrival in Cork Prison.” 

Picture: Larry Cummins

The court appearance follows from the investigation of a serious stabbing incident at around 9pm on Monday night.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to head up the investigation and an incident room has been established at Anglesea Street Garda Station.

A family liaison officer has been assigned to support relatives of the deceased and to inform them of any developments in the case.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was in the Shrewsbury Downs area between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday, including anyone who may have home security or dashcam footage.