The man in his 80s arrested over the tragic shooting of farmer Brendan Kilduff has been released without charge.
Mr Kilduff, who was in his early 60s, had called round to visit the older man when two shots were fired from a shotgun and he was fatally wounded.
Mr Kilduff, who was described as a “helpful” neighbour, was mistaken for an intruder by an anxious elderly friend and shot dead.
The elderly man, in his 80s, had heard activity outside his home at Coogue near Ballyhaunis just at around 11.30pm on Tuesday.
He has now been released without charge, with a file being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The investigation is ongoing.
It is believed Mr Kilduff had been at the man’s house before leaving to attend a farmers’ protest, but left his mobile phone behind him.
It is understood he was returning to retrieve his phone when the incident occurred. It is also thought the elderly man may have been startled by a headlamp the victim was wearing.
The victim, who lived in nearby Sallyhernaun and had no children, was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed the shots that were fired at the bachelor were meant as a warning as the resident thought an intruder was outside. The two men had been friends for decades and it is understood Mr Kilduff regularly drove his neighbour to nearby Knock for shopping.
A source said: “Mr Kilduff was a neighbour and he walked in the door and there was shotgun used and shots were fired through the door at about 11.30pm.
“The injured man managed to get to his car and he drove a short distance and he died shortly after in the vehicle.
“It’s a terrible, terrible tragedy and the whole community is upset over it.”
It is understood gardai are following a definite line of enquiry.
Local Fianna Fail Cllr John Caufield said: “It’s awful, two guys, so well known, so well respected. It’s just an awful tragedy.
“Both families [are in our thoughts]. The two guys, you would just love to meet them socially.”
