James Kilroy serving life for murder as appeal is set

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

James Kilroy is serving a life sentence for murdering his wife after a jury rejected his insanity defence at the Central Criminal Court; his conviction appeal is set for hearing on 19 January 2027.

The jury unanimously convicted Kilroy following his third trial. He had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The murder took place at the couple’s home in Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo, between 13 and 14 June 2019.

At a Court of Appeal directions hearing on 17 July 2026, the judge set the appeal hearing date after Kilroy’s barrister said submissions had been lodged.