A Galway man charged with murder has pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the second day of his murder trial in the Central Criminal court today.
Michael Reilly (52) with an address at Corrach Bui, Rahoon, Galway, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patrick Shaughnessy (28) of Coogan Park, Galway.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr Shane Murphy SC, accepted the guilty plea today on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Shaughnessy died following two stab wounds to the chest after "words were exchanged" with Reilly at his home at Corrach Bui on May 25th 2002.
Yesterday, the court heard that early on May 25th a number of men, including the victim, called to Reilly's home at Corrach Bui where "drinks were consumed".
The court heard that words were exchanged and there were witnesses who saw defendant stab the deceased with a knife in the chest.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Barry White excused the jury of four women and eight men from jury service for seven years.
Mr Reilly remains on bail until his sentence hearing on May 17th.