A heating and plumbing contractor has gone on trial for the manslaughter of a 35 year old woman who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a hotel in west Cork three years ago.

Richard Davis from Killanully, Ballygarvan, Co Cork denies the manslaughter of Miriam Reidy at the Trident Hotel in Kinsale on January 9th 2011.

The Court heard the state isn't alleging Mr Davis deliberately set out to kill or injure Ms Reidy, but that the 45 year old was guilty of her manslaughter through criminal negligence by failing to meet the standards expected of him.

Ms Reid was one of a group of around 30 people attending a hen party for her cousin.

The trial is expected to last a number of weeks.