Directions awaited from DPP in case against two men accused of murder of Kieran Quilligan

Directions are still awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the case against two men accused of murdering 47-year-Kieran Quilligan, whose remains were found following an extensive search in East Cork.

31-year-old Niall Long of 35 St. Michael’s Close, Mahon, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court in person on the murder charge as he was granted bail at the High Court in Dublin.

26-year-old Luke Taylor of no fixed address, and formerly of Cherry Lawn, Blackrock, Cork, appeared in court by video link from prison on the same charge.

Each man is charged with the single count which states that on a date unknown between September 1 2023 and January 29 2024 at an unknown location within the state in the District Court area of Cork city he did murder Kieran Quilligan, contrary to Common Law.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis applied today for an adjournment of the case against Niall Long until July 17 on bail. 

Judge Mary Dorgan acceded to this application in respect of Mr Long who was represented by Shane Collins-Daly solicitor.

Luke Taylor, who was represented by Eddie Burke solicitor, was remanded in custody until April 23, also for DPP directions.

When originally charged with murder, Nialll Long made no reply after caution. Luke Taylor’s reply to the charge was, “Didn’t murder no one.” 

Gardaí started a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains on Monday, January 29, at Rostellan in East Cork. 

The late Mr Quilligan had been a missing person since September 2023 and a search had been ongoing.

Assistant state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, carried out a post-mortem examination of the remains at Cork University Hospital. 

Following this, there was a DNA examination of samples sent to the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory in Dublin, and confirmation that the remains were those of Mr Quilligan.

The human remains were found at the bottom of an excavated ditch off the Midleton to Whitegate road past Whitewell Cross and the turn-off for Rostellan, by a sniffer dog and his handlers.