In Dublin a jury of seven men and five women has been sworn in to try five Limerick men accused of the murder of Mr Kieran Keane.
The trial had been transferred to Dublin from Limerick after difficulties in empanelling a jury there.
It took just over an hour in the Central Criminal Court yesterday to swear in a jury panel. In all, 180 jury summonses were issued, of which 73 potential jurors were called on five separate occasions before a panel was finally sworn.
Three men - two of whom had already been sworn - asked to be excused citing fear and nervousness. One said: "I don't think I'll be able to handle this, I'm a bit nervous". Another told the court he was "shaking", while a third also said he did not believe he would "be able for this."
A large number of those called asked to be excused because of problems surrounding employment, health, single parenthood and holiday arrangements. A number also said they were caring for sick relatives.
The trial is due to open today in Cloverhill Courthouse attached to Dublin's Wheatfield Prison. Jurors will assemble at the Four Courts and be transported to Clondalkin for the trial .
During the jury selection, the assistant chief prosecution solicitor challenged one potential juror on the grounds that a family member had a previous conviction.
Mr Blaise O'Carroll SC representing the accused, Mr Desmond Dundon, and a number of other counsel representing the five, expressed concern as to whether the State was "vetting" potential jurors.
They told trial judge Mr Justice Carney, - who rejected the challenge - that the only information that should be held on a potential juror was name, address and occupation.
When formally arraigned yesterday the five accused pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Kieran Keane (36) Garryowen House, Greenhills Road, Garryowen, Limerick, at Drombana, Bushy Island, Co Limerick on 29th January last and to the false imprisonment of Mr Keane on the same date.
They also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Mr Keane's nephew, Owen Treacy of St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick on 29th January 2003 on the same date and the same location and to falsely imprisoning Mr Treacy.
They are: Mr Desmond Dundon (20) Hyde Road, Limerick; Mr David Stanners (31) Pineview Gardens, Moyross; Mr James McCarthy (24) Delmege Park, Moyross; Mr Christopher "Smokie" Costelloe (20) Moylish Avenue, Ballynanty Beg and Mr Anthony McCarthy (21) Fairgreen, Garryowen.
Trial Judge Mr Justice Paul Carney said the decision to hold the trial in Cloverhill was for reasons of space.