Kieran Brady (35) from Athea in Co. Limerick was brought before a special sitting of the Listowel District Court this evening.
The court heard that Mr Brady was charged with the manslaughter of Mr Kennelly at 5.17pm this evening. He did not respond to gardaí when charged.
Detective Garda Tim Walsh applied for Mr Brady to be remanded in custody, but Mr Brady's lawyer, Pat Mann, objected and said he would apply for bail for his client.
Judge Alan Mitchell asked the public to leave the court for the bail hearing. This also included the family of the deceased.
Garda Walsh said gardaí opposed bail because he is charged with manslaughter, which he said is considered a serious offense and, if convicted, would result in a prison sentence.
Gardaí said their opposition to bail was also based on the nature and strength of the evidence.
Garda Walsh told the court that the suspect was a passenger in a gray BMW which approached a second vehicle, outside a pub, in which Mr Kennelly was a passenger.
Mr Brady got out of the BMW, the court was told, and walked towards the other vehicle, opening the passenger door. It is alleged he kicked and punched Mr Kennelly and stabbed him in the left leg with a knife.
The deceased was driven a short distance away and died of his injuries.
Gardaí believe Mr Brady fled the scene and disposed of the knife by throwing it out the car window. The weapon has not yet been recovered, the court heard.
It is alleged that Mr Brady showered when he arrived home in Upper Athea and threw away the clothing he was wearing at the time of the alleged crime.
CCTV footage from a nearby pub captured the incident, gardaí said, adding that it corroborated with several witness statements.
Garda Walsh said no amount of bail would address his concerns.
Mr Mann argued there was no evidence his client was showering. However, gardaí said they found wet clothes in the suspect's home and these matched what Mr Brady was wearing on CCTV.
Mr Mann said this was not in the summary of evidence.
Mr Mann outlined Mr Brady's personal circumstances and said he has a partner, a child and another child on the way. He said he could be dealt with under strict conditions, including a curfew and reporting to a Garda station.
He said Mr Brady's passport is out of date, which would allay concerns.
Judge Alan Mitchell refused bail. Mr Brady was remanded in custody and will appear at Killarney District Court on June 4 for directions from the DPP.