Clare farmer jailed for life for murdering 21-year-old student loses appeal

A Clare farmer jailed for life for the murder of a 21-year-old student in 2011 has lost an appeal against conviction on grounds that the prosecution ought to have proved that he did not have diminished responsibility at the time.

Joe Heffernan (aged 35), of Cappagh Beg, Barefield, Ennis, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Eoin Ryan whose body was found in a barrel on Heffernan's farm at Cappagh Beg on June 7, 2011.