Courts / Dublin / Report

Senior barrister accused of farm murder bids to be let back on 170-acre holding

Date
2023-10-25

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

A senior barrister, Diarmuid Phelan, aged 54, is seeking a variation of his bail conditions to return to his 170‑acre farm in Tallaght and to his 54‑acre farm in Wexford. He was charged with the murder of Keith Conlon, 36, who was shot at Hazelgrove Farm on 22 February 2022 and died two days later. Phelan was remanded after appearing at Tallaght District Court on 25 February 2022, and a High Court bail refusal was overturned by the Court of Appeal, allowing him to be released on two €50,000 bonds. His trial is set for 29 May next year before the Central Criminal Court. In the bail variation hearing, agricultural consultant Jeff Barry testified that Phelan's Tallaght farm, which had been accepted into an organic scheme in January, has suffered from halted fencing and maintenance work, leading to serious welfare concerns for the livestock.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Senior barrister accused of farm murder bids to be let back on 170-acre holding. Charges or matters: the murder of Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, on February 22, 2022; Mr Conlon's murder shortly afterwards and was remanded in custody after appearing at Tallaght District Court on February 25, 2022. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

February 22, 2022 Adjournment
February 25, 2022 Adjournment
May 29 Hearing Or Sentence
2021 and 2022 Other
2023-10-25 Publication

Case subjects

Diarmuid Phelan

Accused

Charges: the murder of Keith Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, on February 22, 2022; Mr Conlon's murder shortly afterwards and was remanded in custody after appearing at Tallaght District Court on February 25, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mr Phelan was charged with Mr Conlon's murder shortly afterwards and was remanded in custody after appearing at Tallaght District Court on February 25, 2022.