Former US Soldier, Michael Kelley, Charged In Connection With Death Of Kerry Man Michael Gaine

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 15:04

By Hannah Kelly

The 56-year-old farmer was reported missing last March - human tissue found on his farm nearly two months later was confirmed to be his

UPDATE: 54-year-old Michael Kelley, a former US soldier, has been charged with the murder of Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine.

Detective Sgt Mark O’Sullivan told the court Mr Kelley made no reply to the charge of murdering Mr Gaine on a date unknown between the 20th and 21st of March 2025.

Judge David Waters noted a bail application cannot be made at district court level on a murder charge and remanded Mr Kelley, who did not speak during the brief hearing, in custody to appear before the court again via video link on the 4th of March.

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A man has been charged in connection with the death of Michael Gaine.

The 56-year-old farmer was reported missing last March - human tissue found on his farm nearly two months later was confirmed to be his.

Gardai yesterday arrested a man in his 50s as part of the investigation.

He's been charged and is due before Tralee District Court this afternoon.

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