Neligan (31), a nurse, died after suffering a number of stab wounds. Her body was found on Thursday night at her apartment in the Winter Garden complex, off Pearse Street, Dublin 2.

Brian McBarron (25), originally from Arklow but with an address at the same apartment complex as the victim, appeared at a special sitting of the Bridewell District Court yesterday morning. The court heard that, when charged with the murder on Friday night, he replied: "I'm deeply sorry for what I've done."

McBarron's solicitor asked that his client receive psychiatric assessment as he was remanded in custody to appear again at Cloverhill district court next Friday. This application was granted by Judge John Coughlan.

McBarron was wearing a brown jumper, green trousers and had dishevelled brown hair.

Det Brian Duffy of Pearse Street station told the court that McBarron was arrested as 10.40pm on Friday and charged with Neligan's murder at 11.16pm. He said McBarron was in employment but did not specify where. No application for legal aid or bail was made.

Sara Neligan was found dead after friends, who were unable to contact her for a number of days, became concerned and contacted gardai.

When officers went to her apartment at 8pm on Thursday, they found Neligan's remains and McBarron at the scene. He was immediately arrested.

Neligan was the fourth eldest child in a family of seven.

Her father is one of the State's most distinguished cardiac surgeons, having served at Dublin's Mater hospital from 1971 until his retirement in 2002. He was also a founder of the Blackrock Clinic.