The young man who was previously charged in connection with the murder of mother-of-two Sharon Whelan, who was killed on Christmas morning, has now been charged with the murders of her two daughters.
Postal worker Brian Hennessy (23 ) was charged with the murder of the two children at their home in Roscon, Windgap, Co Kilkenny earlier this week.
Zsarah (7 ) and Nadia Whelan (2 ) were found along with their mother on December 25 last when neighbours noticed smoke coming from the rented cottage in the rural townland at about 8.30 on Christmas morning.
Gardaí gave evidence of charging Mr Hennessy at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin at 10.10am on Monday last.
Following the reading of each charge, Mr Hennessy replied that he had nothing to say, according to the Garda witness, who also said the book of evidence had now been served.
Mr Hennessy was then sent forward for trial for the next available date of the Central Criminal Court by Judge Brian Sheridan.
Mr Hennessy was remanded in custody on consent to Cloverhill Prison.
In addition to the three murder charges, Mr Hennessy is charged with two counts of criminal damage to a property and with endangering the lives of the children.
