UPDATED: Men charged in Kenny death

Two Romanian men have appeared at Galway District Court this morning, charged with manslaughter and withholding information in connection to the death of local publican and teacher John Kenny.

Thirty-six year old Marian Lingurar and a 17-year-old male who cannot be identified were arrested in Cork with the assistance of local Gardaí and the Regional Support Unit.

Speaking in court this morning, a local garda confirmed that the two men were then taken to Mill Street Garda Station where they were charged in relation to the death. When faced with the charges, Mr Lingurar replied: "I don't know anything about this" and "Do you have any proof that I did it?"

While solicitors Adrian McLynn and Greg Nolan requested bail for their clients, this was opposed by the prosecution who claimed that, given the seriousness of the charges, the accused were a serious flight risk and had "no ties to this country".

Judge John Lindsay refused bail and remanded the two men in custody until next week. Mr Lingurar will appear at Harristown District Court next Friday, while the 17-year-old youth will appear at Galway District Court next Wednesday.

Superintendent Noel Kelly said a “significant book of evidence” would have to be prepared prior to the matter going to trial.

Seven arrests have already been made in relation to this investigation and a third man, Florin Fitzpatrick, will appear before Harristown District Court later today in connection with Mr Kenny’s death.

Mr Kenny (56), who was a teacher at Presentation College in Athenry, was found dead at his Oughterard pub, with his hands tied behind his back and a jacket draped across his head.

Members of the Kenny family appeared emotional this morning as they attended the court sitting and stared at the two accused throughout the proceedings.