Leitrim youth charged with John Golden murder

An 18-year-old Leitrim youth has been remanded in custody to appear at Virginia District Court this coming Friday charged with the murder of a 73-year-old pensioner at his home in Killeshandra last October. Brendan McGovern, Killahurk, Carrigallen, was charged with the murder of John Golden at Nedd, Doogarry, Killeshandra on October 6. As the accused was brought into to a special sitting of Ballyconnell District Court yesterday (Tuesday) tensions were running high and a number of people shouted obscenities. McGovern had his head covered. The defendant who was dressed in blue jeans, a grey hoodie and brown shoes, said nothing during the two-minute hearing and his solicitor Peter Mullen made no application for bail. McGovern was accompanied by his parents as well as an uncle and a number of neighbours. Lady Susan Kilbracken also attended the court as the late Mr. Golden had worked on her estate at Killegar, just outside Carrigallen. Speaking to The Anglo-Celt she described the situation as "tragic". Sergeant Shane Heslin told the court he arrested the defendant at 9.17pm at Doon, Ballyconnell for the purpose of charge as directed by the DPP and cautioned him. The defendant made no reply when charged at 9.35pm in Ballyconnell Garda Station. Inspector Dermot Drea said he was seeking a remand in custody to appear at Virginia on Friday and Mr. Mullen said it was by consent. Judge Sean MacBride remanded the defendant to Castlerea prison to appear on Friday. John Golden was found unconscious by neighbours in his home on September 7 last and died about a month later in Cavan General Hospital.