Nally conviction quashed - Retrial set to open up old wounds

THE landmark decision by the Court of Criminal Appeal to quash the manslaughter conviction of Mayo farmer Padraig Nally and order his retrial for the fatal shooting of Traveller John “Frog” Ward will inevitably recall the bitter divisions that erupted between settled and Travelling communities during the murder trial.

Far-reaching implications flow from this case, which gripped the nation and goes to the heart of public debate on the controversial question of self defence.

At the centre of the issue is the degree of force a person is entitled to use in order to defend one’s life or property against attack.