Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 10731Murder · Co. Kerry

US citizen charged with murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine

US citizen Michael Kelley, 54, is charged with murdering Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. The alleged murder took place at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, on a date unknown between 20 and 21 March 2025. Kelley made no reply when charged and appeared by video link before Tralee District Court in early March 2026, where he confirmed his name. The State sought further remand in custody to 18 March for production of the Book of Evidence, which was unlikely to be ready by then, and a High Court bail application is being formulated for him.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Michael Kelley, a 54-year-old US citizen, is charged with murdering Michael Gaine, a Kerry farmer.
Where
The alleged murder took place at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry.
When
The alleged murder occurred on a date unknown between 20 and 21 March 2025.
Charges
Kelley made no reply when charged.
In court
  • Kelley appeared before Tralee District Court by video link and confirmed his name; one article dates this to 1 March 2026 and another to 4 March 2026.
  • The State applied for further remand in custody to 18 March for production of the Book of Evidence.
  • Kelley was remanded to appear again in Tralee on 18 March 2026.
  • The Book of Evidence was unlikely to be ready by 18 March.
  • A High Court bail application is being formulated for Kelley.
Other details
Legal aid has been granted to Kelley.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMichael Kelley is charged with murdering Michael Gaine. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe alleged murder took place at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe alleged murder occurred on a date unknown between 20 and 21 March 2025. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeThe accused made no reply when charged. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe accused appeared before Tralee District Court. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe accused appeared by video link and confirmed his name. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe State applied for further remand in custody to 18 March for production of the Book of Evidence. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe accused was further remanded to appear in Tralee on 18 March. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe Book of Evidence was unlikely to be ready by 18 March. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtA High Court bail application was being formulated for the accused. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherLegal aid has already been granted to the accused. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Mar2026
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    US citizen accused of Michael Gaine murder makes short Kerry court appearance to confirm name

    Reports a court appearance at Tralee District Court where the accused confirmed his name by video link and was remanded in custody to 18 March 2026. Adds that a High Court bail application was being formulated, legal aid has been granted, and the Book of Evidence was unlikely to be ready by 18 March.

    accused, Michael Kelley, 54, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Michael Kelleyvictim, Michael Gaine, 56, irish (judged from name)Michael Gaine