The prosecution has closed its case in the trial of a man accused of murdering a Mid Kerry pensioner.
67-year-old Thomas Carroll, with an address at Brookway, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, is before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court facing one charge.
The former soldier is accused of murdering 84-year-old Patrick Paddy O’Mahony on February 24th 2024 at Ballyreameen, near Castlemaine.
Mr Carroll denies the charge; He is represented by senior defence counsel Mark Nicholas, instructed by solicitor Pat Mann.
Senior counsel for the state, Dean Kelly delivered closing statements before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath.
Summarising the over two weeks of evidence, he outlined the definition of murder to the jury of 8 men and 4 women.
Mr Kelly outlined that at 7.51PM on February 24th 2024, Thomas Carroll shot Paddy O’Mahony in the torso.
The bullet from the browning calibre beretta ruptured the 84-year-olds liver and spleen and ended in his buttocks.
Mr Kelly said Thomas Carroll invoked a lack of memories, and told self-serving and calculated lies to Mr O’Mahony’s family and Gardaí throughout seven interviews.
The court heard that during Garda interviews, Mr Carroll said the attack was "vicious and cold-blooded".
Referencing the CCTV footage, Mr Kelly stated the evidence shows Mr Carroll and Mr O’Mahony engaging in an “animated conversation” at the 84-year olds home near Castlemaine.
He told the jury the most important piece of evidence in the case is an eight-minute period from 7.46pm that evening.
Mr Kelly said during this period, Thomas Carroll pointed the weapon at his best-friend for 2 minutes and 15 seconds, while holding Mr O’Mahony up by his left shoulder, and holding the gun in his right hand; before Mr Carroll shot from inches away.
The shot singed Mr O’Mahony’s clothing and left soot around his clothes and body at the entry point.
Mr Kelly continued, that the accused looked at the 84-year-old, before turning and closing and locking the door of his house.
He stated, the CCTV showed the 67-year-old open the door once again a short time later and look at Mr O’Mahony for around 30 seconds before closing the door again.
Mr Kelly said the accused did not try to help, assist or check on Mr O’Mahony.
Closing his argument, Mr Kelly asked the jury not to be distracted by the lies or attempts by Thomas Carroll to throw sand in their eyes.
The case continues before the Central Criminal Court in Limerick.
