The 32-year-old had pleaded not guilty after punching the 50-year -old in the face.
A midlands man has been found not guilty of manslaughter.
The ten person jury at Longford Circuit Court cleared Gerard Melia, of Derrygowna, Lanesboro, Co. Longford, of the unlawful killing of Noel McGann in August of last year following an assault in a pub carpark.
The 32-year-old had pleaded not guilty after punching the 50-year -old in the face.
Mr. McGann died in hospital from severe brain injuries sustained as a result of a fall following the punch, three days after the incident.
The trial heard the panel beater had told Gardaí he had no reason to hate Mr. McGann, but wanted to know why the deceased was talking about him and had invited him outside the bar moments before the assault took place.
The accused hugged his partner in the witness box as the verdict was read out by Judge Keenan Johnson.
Laois/Offaly Speech And Language Therapy Services ‘Beyond Crisis Point’ - Carol Nolan
Defence Forces To Hold Training Exercise In The Midlands
Offaly Widow Set To Inherit €5.5m Fortune After Dispute
Three Midlands Hotels Listed in Top 100 List
Road Safety, Anti-Social Behaviour And Drug Issues Discussed At Laois Safety Meeting
HIQA Finds Westmeath Nursing Home Compliant Across Key Areas
Trump To Lift US Tariff On Irish Whiskey After Talks With Shane Lowry
Lowry Breaks Title Drought With Magnificent Irish Open Victory