Man charged with Clare murder

A 31-year-old man appeared before Ennis District Court this evening charged with the murder of 21-year-old Eoin Ryan yesterday morning.

Joe Heffernan of Cappabeg, Barefield, told gardaí 'I killed the devil' after being charged with the murder.

Solicitor for Mr Heffernan, John Casey said that his client "was in need of medical attention and medical assistance.".

Mr Casey said that he spoke to the clinical director of the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin, Prof Harry Kennedy, earlier today about Mr Heffernan. Prof Kennedy said there was a bed ready and waiting for him at the hospital.

Mr Casey told Judge Joseph Mangan: "I know you cannot remand him to the Central Mental Hospital, but I have asked the prison authorities to do their best to get him to the Central Mental Hospital as it would be the most appropriate place for him."

Mr Casey said that he also spoke with local consultant psychiatrist, Dr John O'Mahony in relation to Mr Heffernan.

Flanked by two detectives for the five minute hearing, Mr Heffernan - wearing a blue hoodie and tracksuit bottoms – kept his head bowed.

Judge Mangan granted legal aid and remanded Mr Heffernan in custody to re-appear at Ennis District Court on Friday.

Mr Ryan's body was found yesterday in a barrel in a field 500 metres from a farmhouse at Cappagh Beg, five miles from Ennis, shortly after 7am.

Gardaí made the discovery after receiving a phone call at Ennis Garda station.

Mr Ryan (21) was the son of former Teachers' Union of Ireland president Don Ryan and a nephew of mayor of Clare, Christy Curtin (Ind), and councillor and former Clare mayor, PJ Kelly (FF).

Mr Ryan, who was studying law, is also survived by his mother Phil and a brother and sister, both of whom are doctors.