A 23-year old postal worker has been charged with the murder of Sharon Whelan who was found dead with her two young daughters in their burnt out house on Christmas morning.
Brian Hennessy, of Windgap, Co Kilkenny, was brought before a special sitting of Kilkenny District Court today.
Ms Whelan (30) and her daughters Zarah (7) and Nadia (2) were found dead in their home in Co Kilkenny, after neighbours spotted smoke coming from their rented home at around 8.30am on Christmas morning.
Mr Hennessy was charged with the murder of Sharon Whelan and with two counts of criminal damage to a property and endangering the lives of Zarah and Nadia.
Detective Sgt Jim Lyng of Kilkenny Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution to judge Gerard Furlong.
Mr Hennessy appeared in court wearing a blue tracksuit with short blonde hair.
Supt Water O’Sullivan made an application to the court for Mr Hennessy to be remanded in custody to the next sitting of Kilkenny District Court.
Judge Furlong remanded Mr Hennessey in custody to appear at Kilkenny District Court on January 20.
A woman who was also arrested in connection with the deaths was released without charge on Friday and a file will be prepared for the Director Of Public Prosecutions.