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.
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