Northern Ireland

Man (28) in court charged with murder of Fermanagh woman Pauline Kilkenny

The body of Pauline Kilkenny (59) was found by her sister at a property on the Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison
The body of Pauline Kilkenny (59) was found by her sister at a property on the Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison The body of Pauline Kilkenny (59) was found by her sister at a property on the Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Fermanagh woman Pauline Kilkenny.

The 59-year-old was found dead on Tuesday at her home between Belcoo and Garrison.

Concerns had been raised when she failed to turn up for work on Monday.

Police said Ms Kilkenny's sister found her at the house on the Cornacully Road.

Police officers and forensic experts examine the murder scene. Picture by Justin Kernoghan 
Police officers and forensic experts examine the murder scene. Picture by Justin Kernoghan  Police officers and forensic experts examine the murder scene. Picture by Justin Kernoghan 

Today Joseph Dolan (28), of no fixed address, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates' Court.

He had been charged with the murder of Ms Kilkenny on Thursday.

He was brought into the dock wearing a grey round-neck jumper and light-coloured trousers. He stood and then sat with his head bowed throughout proceedings.

Police officers and forensic experts examine the murder scene. Picture by Justin Kernoghan  
Police officers and forensic experts examine the murder scene. Picture by Justin Kernoghan   Police officers and forensic experts examine the murder scene. Picture by Justin Kernoghan  

A man in the public gallery wept and was comforted by others during the short hearing before District Judge John Meehan.

A detective sergeant told the court he believes he can connect the accused with the charge.

No application for bail was made.

Dolan was remanded in custody.

He is set to appear before Enniskillen Court on December 10.

In a statement issued earlier this week, Ms Kilkenny's family said they were coming "to terms with the devastating loss of our beautiful, vibrant daughter, sister, aunt and friend".

Pauline Kilkenny
Pauline Kilkenny Pauline Kilkenny

"Our time will be spent remembering Pauline for the incredible personality she was and feeling so grateful to have lived her life with her," they said.

A 26-year-old woman also arrested by police in connection with the incident was released unconditionally on Thursday.