A 52-year-old Dublin man has gone on trial accused of shooting his friend dead during a late night row at his apartment.

Peter Donnelly of The Green, Larch Hill Apartments in Santry denies murdering 49-year-old Edward Flanagan on June 16th 2011.

Opening the case, prosecution counsel Eileen O'Leary told the jury they will hear evidence Peter Donnelly and 3 male friends were watching films at his Santry apartment after a day spent drinking cans in a field at the back of Belcamp College.

A dispute broke out and it is alleged the 52-year-old left the living room, returned with a handgun, walked round the back of the couch where Edward Flanagan was seated and shot him in the back of the neck.

Neighbours who heard a gunshot called Gardai who found the apartment door locked on arrival but by leaning over a neighbour's balcony they could see the deceased sitting slouched with a can of beer in his hand and blood around his head.

Accused denies murder charge

They forced an entry to the apartment and efforts were made by the emergency services to resuscitate Edward Flanagan was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.

The prosecution says there will be evidence that later that day the accused Peter Donnelly voluntarily went to Coolock Garda Station and admitted discharging the gun that shot Edward Flanagan.

The 52-year-old denies murder.

He has also pleaded not guilty to possession of a Baikal 9 milimtre automatic pistol and 3 rounds of .38 calibre ammunition at the same address on June 15th 2011.

The trial is expected to last 1 week.