Trial begins for Kerryman accused of murdering uncle

A Co Kerry man has gone to trial accused of murdering his uncle, whose body was found dumped at the bottom of a well.

26-year-old Eugene Daly, with an address at Dooneen, Kilcummin, Killarney, has pleaded not guilty to the charge that he intended to kill 69-year-old Patrick Daly on or around January 18 1996.

Opening the case for the prosecution, senior counsel Mr John Edwards told the jury that Mr Daly's body was found at the bottom of a well on his 105-acre farm at Kilcummin in January 1996.

Mr Edwards said it was the State's case that the accused and his father acted together in bringing about the death of Mr Daly after family rows, which erupted over the running of Paddy Daly's farm.

Counsel told the court that Mr Daly's body was found down a well with lacerations, extensive fractures and blows to the head caused by a blunt weapon after he had told his brother he was interfering in his affairs and causing distress.

It was found he died of brain swelling, contusion, lacerations and blunt force trauma to the head.