A 43-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

Stephen Silver of Aughavard, Foxford, Mayo, appeared at a special sitting of Castlerea District Court tonight

The court heard he made no reply when charged tonight at Castlerea District court, and his solicitor asked that all appropriate medical assessments be carried out

Wearing a black top, black trousers and flip flops, the accused kept his head down for much of the court proceedings, but did exclaim that it was "unreal" and "had no firearm".

He was remanded in custody to appear again at Harristown court via video link next Friday and legal aid was granted

Main image: The scene in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, where Detective Garda Colm Horkan died after being shot on Wednesday night. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images