Limerick man to be sentenced for killing father

A 24-year-old Limerick man, who killed his father in a drunken fight, has fought back tears at his sentencing hearing.

Gerard McNamara of Cedar Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his father Joseph O’Donnell on October 1, 2010.

The court heard Gerard McNamara lost it when his father Joey suggested he wouldd need to take a paternity test to ensure the accused was his son.

The 24-year-old knocked his father to the ground and began hitting him with anything he could get his hands on including furniture and a beer can.

Both men were described as "steamed drunk".

Gardai arrived around 3.30am but a bruised and bloodied Joey O'Donnell refused an offer of medical assistance saying it was nothing – just a family dispute.

His partner called an ambulance the following morning when she found him unconscious.

Gerard McNamara's lawyers said that he is devastated by the consequences of the violence that broke out and will suffer every day.

The 24-year-old will have his sentence finalised next week.