Reaction: Supporters of Pádraig Nally were making no comment yesterday on the Court of Criminal Appeal's decision to quash his conviction for the manslaughter of John Ward.
However, the Galway Traveller Movement expressed its "disappointment" at the decision, and said that the retrial would force the Ward family to relive a horrendous experience and delay their healing further. Tomorrow is the second anniversary of Mr Ward's death.
The 63-year-old farmer was not expected to return to his farm at Funshinagh, Cross, near the Mayo/Galway border, after being driven from Portlaoise, Co Laois. He had been detained at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.
A supporter of Mr Nally's, Michael Biggins of the Irish Farmers' Association, told The Irish Times that no statement was being made, and any such comment would come from Mr Nally's solicitor.
None of Mr Nally's neighbours would comment last evening on his possible whereabouts but some did express relief that his prison ordeal was over, at least for the moment. Several have been maintaining his farm and home since he was jailed for six years just over a year ago for the manslaughter of John Ward.
"I imagine that when he does get home Pádraig will be pleased to see the place has been kept in fine shape," said Paddy Rock, a friend of Mr Nally's and a leading member of the Pádraig Nally Support Group.
Marie Ward, Mr Ward's widow, has moved from Carrowbrowne halting site outside Galway with her family. The Galway Traveller Movement said this was due to a combination of intimidation and pressure, and a desire on Mrs Ward's part to try to make a fresh start. It appealed to the media to allow Mrs Ward some privacy. "Marie Ward and her 11 children have been through two horrific years since their father was killed in October 2000, the movement said in a statement.
"The conclusion of the trial last November had brought about a varied degree of closure for family members as they were finally able to mourn the death of their husband and father."
"It was some consolation to them to know that the man responsible for his death was imprisoned."