James Donegan, a 67-year-old resident of Bruce Manor, Arvagh, Co Cavan, has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of Joseph James Porter, a part-time soldier with the Ulster Defence Regiment, killed in Northern Ireland in June 1979. Donegan has also been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, as well as membership in a proscribed organization, specifically the Provisional IRA.

Porter was shot dead on the morning of June 24, 1979, in Mountnorris, with his body discovered at the entrance of his farm on Creggan Road.

At the time of the incident, his residence had been ransacked, and it is believed he may have been targeted for his military connections.

Law enforcement reports indicated that Porter had been seen in a bar in Markethill the previous evening for approximately one hour before witnesses noted hearing gunshots shortly after he left his home.

The police stated that witnesses reported loud bangs, suspected to be gunfire, around 1 a.m. on the day of Porter's death.

Preliminary medical examinations revealed that he had suffered a fractured skull and had likely been dead for several hours prior to being discovered by a neighbor around 9:30 a.m.

The Provisional IRA publicly claimed responsibility for the murder shortly after the incident, stating that Porter had been 'interrogated and executed because he was involved with the British war machine in Northern Ireland', according to reports from that time.

Despite a significant investigation, no charges had been brought against any individuals for the murder until now.

Donegan was extradited from the Republic of Ireland and appeared before the Newry Magistrates’ Court on the latest charges.

He acknowledged understanding the charges against him.

The prosecution opposed any application for bail, arguing that there was a substantive risk of Donegan fleeing the jurisdiction given his long-term residency in the Republic of Ireland and resistance to the extradition process.

Defense counsel argued that Donegan voluntarily contacted authorities prior to his arrest and had surrendered his passport.

They also proposed that he could be released on bail with specified conditions, citing his health issues and ongoing medical treatment as mitigating factors.

District Judge Eamonn King highlighted the protracted nature of the case, which has seen significant delays over 45 years, and ruled that Donegan would pose a flight risk if released on bail.

As a result, bail was refused, and further proceedings will be necessary to determine the next steps in this longstanding case.