A MAN has appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court before Judge Ciaran Liddy this evening charged with the murder of a Donegal publican.
Michael Maloney (32) of Loughros Point, Ardara, is charged with murdering Stephen McCahill at Beagh, Ardara, on Monday, January 5.
The charge is Contrary to Common Law and as provided for by Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1964.
A married father of two and a well-known businessman, Mr McCahill (66), was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Garda Patrick Kelly, Donegal Town Garda Station, gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He told the court he arrested Maloney at 2.25pm today and charged him at 3.35pm. He cautioned Maloney but the accused made no reply to the charge.
Solicitor for the accused, Mr Mark Mullaney, made an application for legal aid, stating that his client was in receipt of social welfare.
He told the court that his client has a diagnosed psychiatric illness, for which he is prescribed twice daily medication. Mr Mullaney requested his client continues to receive his medication.
No application was made for bail.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins asked the court to have the accused remanded in custody to appear by videolink to Letterkenny District Court next Monday, January 12.
Mr McCahill was found dead at a location near Ardara in the early hours of Monday morning.
At approximately 3.50am, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an assault at a domestic residence outside the town.
Mr McCahill was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballyshannon Garda Station.
A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to support the family of the deceased.
Mr McCahill was a well-known local businessman, auctioneer and publican. He stood as an Independent candidate in Donegal South West in the 2011 General Election. The father of two was named ‘Donegal Person of the Year’ in 2016.
Michael Maloney and Stephen McCahill.
