Cavan man accused of murdering his wife appeared "depressed" in the days leading up to her death

At the Central Criminal Court, a murder trial heard that a fifty-seven-year-old man from Bailieboro in Cavan appeared depressed in the days before his wife's death in September 2013. Oliver Kierans has pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia Kierans on 5 September 2013 at their home in Drumbannon. He also denies unlawful possession of a shotgun and intent to endanger life with the weapon. A witness told the court that Mr Kierans seemed "down in the dumps" when they met on 31 August 2013, and spoke about harming himself. Another witness, a local dressmaker, said she had expected to meet Mrs Kierans on the day she died but received no answer when she rang. A manager at a local off-licence testified that Mr Kierans purchased two naggins of whiskey on the morning of 5 September. The trial continues before Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly and a jury.