A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of an elderly man at his home in Mayo last weekend.

83-year-old John Brogan was found dead at his home in Pheasant Hill, Cloonkeen, Castlebar, on Sunday.

Kevin McHale, aged in his 60s and from Annagh in Castlebar, was arrested a short time later.

He was charged this morning appeared before Judge Fiona Lydon at Castlebar District Court shortly before lunchtime today.

Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given to the court by Detective Sergeant Michael Doherty.

Det Sgt Doherty said he arrested McHale at 11:12am in Castlebar Garda Station and charged him at 11:43am.

The accused made no reply to the charge after being cautioned.

Solicitor Gary Mulchrone told the judge there was no application for bail in light of the seriousness of the charge.

He also applied for Legal Aid, stating the accused was dependent on social welfare.

Judge Lydon said he should receive whatever medical and psychiatric intervention deemed necessary.

He was remanded in custody to appear again at Harristown District court on Friday.

Reporting from Tom Shiel in Castlebar.