Man charged with murdering his mother in Ballinlough consents to four-week remand in custody

The 25-year-old man charged with murdering his mother and injuring his father outside the family home in Ballinlough in November appeared in Cork District Court on Wednesday where he consented to a four-week remand in custody.

Consent is required for a custodial remand any longer than a fortnight. 

Solicitor Shane Collins-Daly indicated consent to the four-week remand. Judge Mary Dorgan then asked the accused man, David Gallagher, directly if he was consenting.

The young man with long greying hair, wearing a grey tracksuit, did not speak but nodded his head in reply to the judge.

David Gallagher of Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork, is charged with murdering his 59-year-old mother, Stella Gallagher, and assault causing harm to his father, 63-year-old Brian Gallagher.

The first charge states: “On November 17 2025 at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, in the District Court area of Cork city, district number 19, he did murder Stella Gallagher, contrary to common law.” 

The second charge states: “On November 17 2025 at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, in the District Court area of Cork city, district number 19, he did assault Brian Gallagher causing him harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.” 

On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, Judge Mary Dorgan then remanded David Gallagher in custody until February 4 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the charges.

When this matter first came before the court in November, Mr Collins-Daly said, “I would ask the court to direct that he receive urgent medical and psychiatric evaluation on his arrival in Cork Prison.” 

The funeral of the late Stella Gallagher was held on November 25 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes church in Ballinlough.