Lawyer, 53, Charged with Murder of Father-of-Four Keith Conlon in Tallaght Shooting

A prominent barrister has appeared in court, charged with the murder of Keith Conlon, a father of four, in Tallaght.

Diarmuid Phelan (53) attended a session of Tallaght District Court this morning in connection with the fatal shooting.

The defendant is accused of murdering Mr Conlon at Hazel Grove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, last Tuesday.

Gardaí were called to the scene at approximately 1 pm, and Keith Conlon (36) was taken to hospital with grave gunshot wounds.

The dog breeder, who resided nearby at Kiltalown Park, was formally declared deceased yesterday afternoon.

Det Gda Michael McGrath, of Tallaght Garda station, testified that he arrested the accused last night for the purpose of charging him with murder.

The court heard that Mr Phelan, with an address at Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, made no comment when the single charge was put to him.

No bail application was submitted, as bail for a murder charge can only be granted by the High Court.

Judge Patricia McNamara remanded him in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court via video link next Friday.

His solicitor, Eddie O’Connor, stated that he would not be making any application at this time.

Diarmuid Phelan SC is a barrister and also lectures in law.

Wearing a shirt and suit, he addressed the court only at the conclusion of the hearing, saying, “Thank you, judge.”

A number of individuals had gathered outside the courthouse prior to the hearing and shouted at Diarmuid Phelan as he entered the building.

The accused was detained at the scene following the incident and remained in Garda custody until today’s court appearance.

In a statement issued this week, the Garda Press Office said: “Gardaí are investigating a serious shooting incident that occurred at a premises in the Hazel Grove area of Tallaght, Co Dublin, on Tuesday, 22nd February, 2022. Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information who may have been in the Hazel Grove area of Tallaght to come forward.”