Patrick and John Pio Ward, who live next to each other in Kilcruttin, Tullamore deny the charges.
Two brothers have gone on trial accused of the attempted murder of two men in an unofficial halting site in Offaly in March 2025.
Patrick and John Pio Ward, who live next to each other in Kilcruttin, Tullamore, are also facing charges of firearm possession and violent disorder.
John Pio Ward is accused of shooting Michael McDonagh, while his younger brother, Patrick is accused of shooting Michael’s brother, Anthony, during the same incident.
The State says the shootings followed an altercation outside a local hospital involving other members of the Ward family.
The jury heard the accused were not involved in that incident, but that soon afterwards, a large group travelled from the official halting site where the Wards lived to the unofficial site occupied by the McDonaghs.
Opening the case, prosecuting barrister Kevin White SC said “pandemonium ensued” as shots were fired and people, including children, ducked for cover.
Anthony and Michael McDonagh were both shot in the chest.
The guns were never recovered, but gardaí believe shotguns were used.
The prosecution claims the McDonaghs recognised and identified the men who shot them.
The Ward brothers deny the charges.
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