Mourners gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney, County Kerry, to celebrate the life of Jamey Carney, a New York native who was allegedly killed in her home last week. Carney, 43, had moved to Ireland with her teenage daughter in 2021, building a life in Killarney before her death.
During the funeral service, Father Kieran O’Brien reflected on Carney’s life, describing her move to Ireland as “the best decision of her life.” He told mourners that Carney and her daughter, Michaela, had found a home in Killarney, where Michaela had become involved in local sports. O’Brien characterized Carney as a woman whose joy radiated, noting her happiness in simple things like country music, travel, and spending time with friends.
“She was happy in life and she was happy with life because life was good to her,” he said, adding that Carney’s “real love in life was you, Michaela.” He concluded by remembering her as a “ray of sunshine that she brought to all of your lives.”
Family members brought items to the altar symbolizing Carney’s life, including photographs of her daughter and her dog, a cowboy hat representing her love for country music, passports from her and Michaela’s arrival in Ireland, and an angel statue. A framed photograph of Carney rested on her coffin.
Carney was allegedly beaten and suffocated in her home. A Jordanian national, described as a failed asylum seeker who was romantically involved with Carney, was arrested in Jordan after reportedly fleeing Ireland via Istanbul following her death. Irish police confirmed they are aware of the arrest by Jordanian authorities but have not publicly identified the man or confirmed his identity as the person of interest. Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with Jordan.
Irish media have widely identified the suspect, but police have not confirmed his identity or released any details. The FBI has stated it stands ready to assist Irish authorities if requested, and the State Department is providing consular assistance to Carney's family.
Detectives believe Carney was killed approximately 14 hours before her daughter discovered her body. The suspect reportedly traveled to Dublin Airport and boarded a flight to Istanbul before his arrest. He had been living in state-run accommodation for asylum seekers in Killarney and had been spending increasing amounts of time at Carney's home.
Carney's funeral service focused on celebrating her life and the community she had built, rather than the circumstances of her death. As her coffin departed St. Mary’s Cathedral, members of the local Dr. Crokes GAA Club formed a guard of honor.