A man who has been on trial accused of killing Sligo farmer Tom Niland has changed his plea.

John Irving, from Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo, had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Mr. Niland at his home in January 2022.

At the Central Criminal Court today, the defence offered to change his plea to guilty and the jury was subsequently dismissed.

Irving is due to be sentenced in October.

Speaking from the Central Criminal Court today, friend of the late Mr. Niland and local Cllr Michael Clarke paid an emotional tribute to the Gardai for their exceptional work in the case: