Jamey Carney, an American mother who had built a life in Killarney, Ireland, since moving there in 2021, was remembered at a funeral service as a vibrant presence whose "joy radiated" and who brought a "ray of sunshine" to those around her. The service, held at St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney, County Kerry, was livestreamed for friends and family unable to attend.
Carney, 43, a native of New York, was found dead in her home on July 7. Irish police have launched a murder investigation into her death. According to Irish media, a Jordanian national, who was an asylum seeker living in Ireland and had been romantically involved with Carney, fled the country after her death and was subsequently arrested in Jordan.
During the funeral mass, Father Kieran O'Brien spoke of Carney's life, highlighting her "big decision" to move to Ireland with her teenage daughter, Michaela, and how they found a home in Killarney. He described Carney as someone who enjoyed simple pleasures, country music, travel, and spending time with friends, emphasizing her happiness and the joy she found in life. He also addressed Carney's daughter, stating that her mother's "real love in life was you."
Mourners carried items to the altar that symbolized Carney's life, including photographs of her daughter and her dog, a cowboy hat representing her love for country music, passports from their move to Ireland, and an angel statue. A framed photograph of Carney rested atop her coffin.
Following the service, members of the Dr. Crokes GAA Club formed a guard of honor as Carney's coffin was carried from the cathedral. Her sister, Devon, was seen clutching a sunflower and wearing a Kerry GAA jersey.
Irish police stated they are aware of the arrest of a male in Jordan but have not identified the individual or confirmed he is the person of interest in the investigation. They also confirmed no request for arrest has been made to Jordanian authorities at this time. The FBI has indicated its readiness to assist Irish authorities if requested, and the State Department is providing consular assistance to Carney's family.
Irish media reports have identified the man arrested in Jordan as the person of interest in the investigation. According to the Irish Independent, Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Jordan. Reports also suggest the man had been living in state-run accommodation for asylum seekers in Killarney before becoming romantically involved with Carney and spending increasing amounts of time at her home.
Carney was reportedly killed around 11 p.m. on a Monday, with her daughter discovering her body approximately 14 hours later. The suspect had reportedly traveled by bus to Dublin Airport and boarded a flight to Istanbul shortly after the estimated time of death.