Two men to go on trial for murder of Cork man

Olivia Kelleher

A jury has been sworn in to hear the trial of two men accused of the murder of a 47-year-old Cork man.

The late Kieran Quilligan was from Togher and Knocknaheeny in Cork city. Niall Long (33) and Luke Taylor (27) are charged with the murder contrary to common law of Mr Quilligan.

The murder charge against each man states that on a date unknown between September 1st, 2023 and January 29th, 2024, at an unknown location within the state of the District Court area of Cork city, he did murder Mr Quilligan.

Both men replied “Not Guilty” when they were arraigned at a sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork on Monday morning.

The case will get underway on Wednesday. It is set to involve the calling of over 120 witnesses. CCTV evidence will also be a feature of the case.

Luke Taylor is formerly of Cherry Lawn, Blackrock in Cork, whilst his co-accused, Mr Long, previously lived at St Michael’s Close in Mahon in the city.

The Prosecution in the case will be led by Donal O’Sullivan, SC, with Ray Boland SC acting on behalf of Mr Long. Brendan Grehan, SC, will represent Mr Taylor.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford warned jurors that the trial could be a “lengthy one.” Mr O’Sullivan said that the case is likely to last “up to four weeks.” Jurors were informed that they need to be available for the case until at least October 28th.

No details of the case beyond the charge were outlined in court.

The jury of ten men and two women was warned not to do any independent research on the case or to conduct any searches online.

The opening prosecution speech will be given on Wednesday morning by Mr O’Sullivan.