Relative implicated partner in Ryan murder, court told

A relative of Limerick man Eddie Ryan Senior made a full statement implicating her partner and the father of her children in the murder of Mr Ryan, a jury has heard.

In the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, retired Detective Garda James B Hanley gave evidence that Michelle Ryan, the girlfriend of murder accused Paul Coffey, changed her account of Coffey's movements when she heard she could be charged with aiding and abetting him.

Ms Ryan allegedly told gardaí prior to making her statement: "I will tell you everything I can. He can do what he wants. I am not going to cover for him anymore."

Paul Coffey (aged 26), a father-of-two with Ms Ryan, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Edward ('Eddie') Ryan (aged 41) of Hogan Avenue, Kileely, Limerick, at Cathedral Place in Limerick city on November 12 2000. Mr Coffey's last address was at Craeval Park, Moyross, Limerick.

Eddie Ryan was shot 11 times and died of multiple gunshot wounds to the trunk when two gunmen burst into the Moose Bar in Cathedral Place, the trial has heard.

The jury has heard in evidence that the accused man allegedly named Kieran Keane as one of the gunmen involved in the shooting. He also named the second gunman.

Counsel for Coffey, Mr Michael Maloney BL has told the jury that Coffey will deny that he named any names. The defence admit that Coffey did tell gardai he drove two men to the Moose Bar on the night of the shooting but without knowing the purpose of the journey.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Abbott and the jury.