Five men charged with the murder of crime boss Kieran Keane have pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick.
Mr James McCarthy, (24) Delmege Park, Moyross, Mr David Stanners (31) Pineview Gardens Moyross, Mr Christopher Costelloe (20) Moylish Avenue, Ballynanty, Mr Anthony McCarthy, (21), the Fairgreen and Mr Dessie Dundon (20), Hyde Road, all in Limerick pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Keane at Drombana Co Limerick on January 29th last and to the attempted murder of his nephew Owen Treacy on the same date.
Mr Treacy, who is the State's key witness was in the gallery today to hear the charges read out.
He was brought under tight security which was also in evidence outside the court with a Garda helicopter hovering over armed gardaí positioned outsie and on the roof of the courthouse.
The five also pleaded not guilty to falsley imprisoning the two men in Limerick city on the same date on January 29th.
Mr Justice Paul Butler swore in the jury of five men and three women today in the absence of Mr Justice Paul Carney who was unable to attend due to illness.
The trial resumes tomorrow.