A father of three who is on trial along with his brother for murder, told gardaí he was shocked when the man he is accused of killing made comments about his daughter who has Down's Syndrome in the months prior to the incident.

One of two brothers on trial for the murder of a Co Offaly farmer told gardaí he hit the dead man with the handle of a shovel, when he made a remark about his daughter who has Down's Syndrome.

Two brothers are due to go on trial at the Central Criminal Court today accused of murdering a Co Offaly farmer three years ago.