Padraig Nally, farmer who shot John 'Frog' Ward 20 years ago, dies ...

Mr Nally (81) shot Ward, who he found trespassing at his isolated farmhouse in Cross on October 14, 2004.

In November 2005, Mr Nally was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for manslaughter.

His conviction was later quashed and after a retrial in December 2006, he was found not guilty of manslaughter.

Mr Justice Paul Carney, who tried the first trial, described it as “undoubtedly the most socially divisive case I’ve had to try and the most difficult case I’ve had to sentence”.

There was a huge national groundswell of support for Mr Nally at the time.

However, many in the Travelling community were left feeling further marginalised and isolated.

The Irish Independent recently travelled to Cross, spoke with several neighbours, and called to Mr Nally’s home.

His sister Maureen answered the door and politely declined to comment, preferring “to leave the past in the past”.

Paddy Rock, a supporter of Mr Nally, said he feels the media at the time created a furore.

“It wasn’t about the Travelling community, it was about the individuals involved,” he said.

The support Mr Nally received was “huge”, he added.

“While he was in Portlaoise Prison, Padraig received around 10,000 cards and letters,” Mr Rock said.

“But the governor wouldn’t give him the Christmas cards because they were a fire hazard. Every time I went up to the prison I was sent home with three or four sacks full of cards.”

The incident is vividly remembered in the area today and has left its mark on the Constitution.

The Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011 was introduced in the aftermath of the case, following pressure from rural interest groups.

After his conviction was quashed, Mr Nally continued to farm his land and went quietly about his business.

One neighbour said the past had haunted Mr Nally.

“He was never the same man. It shattered his peace of mind,” said the neighbour.