Business

Donegal Murder: Man in Court Charged with Businessman’s Death

by mark.thompson business editor
written by mark.thompson business editor

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Ardara, County Donegal – A 32-year-old man appeared in court Tuesday evening charged with the murder of Stephen McCahill, a local businessman adn auctioneer found dead early Monday morning. The case has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Businessman Found Dead; Nephew Charged

The 66-year-old victim was discovered outside his home following what authorities are calling a fatal assault.

  • Michael Maloney, 32, was charged with the murder of Stephen McCahill.
  • the assault occured around 3:50 a.m. on January 5th in Beagh, Ardara.
  • Maloney is McCahill’s nephew by marriage.
  • Maloney, a musician with over 15 million Spotify streams, made no reply when cautioned.
  • He has been remanded in custody and will appear via videolink next monday.

According to Gardaí, maloney was charged with murder following a fatal assault discovered around 3:50 a.m. on January 5th at Beagh, Ardara.

Michael maloney, of Loughros Point, Ardara, appeared before Judge Ciaran Liddy at a special sitting of Letterkenny District court on Tuesday evening. He is accused of murdering Stephen McCahill, who was a nephew by marriage to the accused. The charge is contrary to Common Law and Section 4 of the Criminal justice act, 1964.

Maloney, dressed in a dark hoodie and baseball cap, was arrested shortly after Mr. McCahill’s body was found. Gardaí detained him under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, and questioned him at a Garda station in Donegal.

Maloney is also a musician, known for his song “What Do You Want To Know,” which he performed at the Limerick hurling team’s All-Ireland homecoming party in 2023. He has amassed over 15 million streams on Spotify.

detective Garda Patrick Kelly of Donegal Town Garda Station testified in court that he arrested Maloney at 2:25 p.m. and formally charged him at 3:35 p.m. Maloney reportedly made no reply when cautioned.

Solicitor Mark Mullaney, representing Maloney, requested legal aid, stating his client receives social welfare benefits. He also informed the court that Maloney has a diagnosed psychiatric illness and requested he receive daily medication while in prison.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins requested that Maloney be remanded in custody and appear via videolink at Letterkenny District Court next Monday, January 12th. Given the severity of the charge, no request for bail was made.

Maloney was afterward taken into custody and is being held at Castlerea Prison. A post-mortem examination on Mr.McCahill was scheduled to take place today, January 7th. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Numerous tributes have been paid to Mr.McCahill, who co-owned the Corner House bar in Ardara and worked as an auctioneer. Popstar Imelda May, who visited the bar last Saturday, shared a photo with the victim. Donegal’s first All-Ireland GAA captain, Anthony Molloy, described McCahill as a true friend.

Mr. McCahill is survived by his wife, Marietta, his children, stephen and Gemma, and a wide circle of family and friends.