Mayo farmer Pádraig Nally returned home at the weekend, following the quashing of his jail sentence for manslaughter by the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Mr Nally (62) faces a retrial over the fatal shooting of John Ward, a father of 11 and member of the Travelling community from Carrowbrowne, Galway. The shooting took place on Mr Nally's farm at Funshinagh, near the village of Cross, two years ago.
Last week, the three judge Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that the jury at Mr Nally's trial should have been allowed to consider the full defence of self-defence. It was for the jury to decide whether the force used by Mr Nally was reasonable and whether or not they should acquit him, the court held.
Mr Nally was sentenced to six years in jail last November for the manslaughter of John Ward, a father of 11, following his conviction by a jury the previous July.
However, the Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the conviction saying the jury in the trial should have had the power "to return a verdict which conflicts with the opinion of the learned trial judge, however experienced that judge may be". Mr Ward's widow, Marie, who has moved away from Galway, has expressed disappointment at the court's decision.
Members of the group set up to support Mr Nally said yesterday that the farmer would be making no comment.
His farm has been maintained by neighbours and close friends in the area.
Last week, the group said that a statement might be issued next week by his solicitor.
Gardaí are aware of Mr Nally's return, but the Garda Press Office said yesterday that it was not aware of any special measures being provided.
