Man found guilty of Kieran Quilligan murder

In a chilling case that has gripped the Republic of Ireland, 33-year-old Niall Long has been found guilty of the murder of Kieran Quilligan, a 47-year-old man whose skeletal remains were discovered in a carrier bag in a County Cork ravine. The victim had been missing for five months before his remains were found by An Garda Síochána (Irish police) in February 2024. Quilligan was last seen alive on September 1, 2023. The Central Criminal Court in Cork heard that Quilligan was ‘lured’ to his death, according to prosecution senior counsel Donal O’Sullivan, who praised the meticulous investigative efforts of the gardaí in uncovering the remains. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the exact cause of death could not be determined. However, a pathologist testified that injuries, including fractures to the ribs, chest, neck, and skull, indicated a ‘severe assault.’ The jury is set to resume deliberations on Friday regarding Long’s co-accused, 27-year-old Luke Taylor, who denies involvement in the murder. The case has shed light on the challenges of investigating such harrowing crimes and the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice.