Jury sworn in in Kieran Keane murder trial

A jury has been sworn in to try five Limerick men accused of the murder of Limerick man Kieran Keane.

In the Central Criminal Court today, 180 jury summonses were issued of which 73 potential were called before a panel was finally sworn in. Three jurors, having been sworn, asked to be excused citing fear and nervousness as the reason.

One said: I don't think I'll be able to handle this, I'm a bit nervous." Another told the court he was "shaking" while a third also said he did not believe he would "be able for this".

The trial is due to go ahead in Cloverhill Courthouse attached to Dublin's Wheatfield Prison complex tomorrow. Jurors will assemble at the Four Courts and be transported to Clondalkin for the trial, which is expected to last between five and six weeks..

The five accused deny the murder and false imprisonment of Kieran Keane at Drombana, Co Limerick on January 29 last. They also deny the false imprisonment and attempted murder of Mr Keane's nephew, Owen Treacy on the same date at the same location.

Trial Judge Mr Justice Paul Carney said the decision to move the trial to Cloverhill was for reasons of space.