A LIMERICK man has appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court charged with a murder in the city last weekend.
Stephen O'Sullivan (18), Galtee View, O'Malley Park, Limerick, is charged with the murder of Mark Moloney (40) from Garryowen, Limerick, at South Claughan Road, Garryowen, Limerick, on April 5th.
Mr Moloney - whose funeral takes place today - was shot dead at about 2.45pm.
As mourners attended his removal in Limerick last night, Mr O'Sullivan was charged before the special court sitting with his death last weekend.
Mr O'Sullivan is also charged with the reckless discharge of a firearm at a house in O'Malley Park, Southill, also on April 5th last.
The court heard from Det Garda Dave Bourke that Mr O'Sullivan replied "not guilty, I didn't intend to kill anyone" when he was cautioned about the murder charge. He also replied "not guilty" in response to the second charge.
Solicitor John Herbert asked to be assigned to Mr O'Sullivan, who he said was not working.
Insp Séamus Gallagher asked that the defendant be remanded in custody until April 15th.
Judge Tom O'Donnell said in view of the fact that Mr O'Sullivan was charged with murder, bail was a matter for a higher court.
Mr Herbert said he was reserving his position in relation to bail on the less serious charge.
There was a visible Garda presence for last night's brief court hearing.
A number of senior detectives and Chief Supt Willie Keane were in court for the proceedings.