US national charged with Michael Gaine murder sent forward for trial

Michael Kelley remains in custody after the book of evidence was served at Tralee District Court proceedings

US national Michael Kelley charged with the murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court. Picture: Domnick Walsh

A 54-year-old US national has been sent forward to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court on a single charge of the murder of Kenmare farmer Michael Gaine.

Michael Kelley, of no fixed abode and with a recent address in Tralee, was brought in person before a sitting of Tralee District Court. He is charged that on a date unknown between March 20 and March 21, 2025, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, he did murder 56-year-old Michael Gaine.

Michael Kelley's first appearance on February 25 heard he made no reply when charged.

He has been remanded in custody since appearing by video link from Cork Prison, awaiting the book of evidence.

The book had now been served, and Michael Kelley was in court, his solicitor Patrick Mann informed Judge David Waters.

The DPP has consented to send him forward for trial to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court, and the State’s application was to do so, remanding him in continuing custody, the court heard.

Mr Waters asked Mr Kelley if he understood what an alibi was, and he replied “yes, sir“, and “yes, your honour” when the question was repeated.

The judge told him any alibi would have to be furnished within 14 days.

An application for legal aid for a solicitor and two counsel was granted.

The judge noted bail was not a matter for the District Court, sending Mr Kelley forward.

As he left, the accused thanked his solicitor, saying: “Thank you, Mr Mann.” 

Mr Kelley appeared with short hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He was dressed in a green polo shirt and a fawn coloured trousers.

Janice Gaine, the wife of Mr Gaine, was in court in Tralee for the proceedings, along with a number of friends of the late farmer.

Michael Gaine was declared missing on March 21, 2025, and a huge search got underway. On April 29, the investigation was upgraded to homicide and on May 25, gardaí confirmed that human remains found on his lands at Carrig East were those of the missing farmer.