'This was about me' - Retired Limerick superintendent Eamon O'Neill reacts to jury verdict

RETIRED garda superintendent Eamon O'Neill has spoken of his relief after he and four former colleagues were acquitted of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

A jury of eight men and four women returned its verdict at Court 3 at Limerick Courthouse shortly before 2.30pm this Monday, following an eight-week trial.

Having retired to consider their verdict on Friday afternoon, the jurors had deliberated for a total six hours and seven minutes.

Retired superintendent Eamon O’Neill, Garda Colm Geary, Garda Tom McGlinchey, Sergeant Michelle Leahy and Garda Anne-Marie Hassett sat stony-faced after the nine-week long trial. They were suspended from the force six years ago.

WATCH: Cleared retired superintendent and gardai after trial get heroes’ reception as they leave Limerick courtroom

Mr O'Neill and his solicitor Dan O'Gorman spoke to reporters outside Limerick Courthouse, Mulgrave Street following the conclusion of the trial - click play to watch the video.

Large crowds, including family, friends and colleagues of the five defendants were present at the court complex when the verdict was handed down.

Each of the defendants had pleaded not guilty to a total of 39 charges, which all related to the alleged attempting to pervert the course of justice over Fixed Charge Penalty Notices relating to road traffic offences. 

The circuit court trial, heard before Judge Roderick Maguire, started last November.