A MAN drinking with a hotel guest who died after downing up to ten shots of spirits in one glass said the barman was aware the drink was just for one person.

Graham Parish, from Nelson, was celebrating his 26th birthday when he slumped off his bar stool in the Hayes Hotel in Thurles, Co Tipperary, in the Irish Republic on June 30, 2008.

He was carried from the bar to a conference room where he was found, with vomit on his face, by a night porter at 6.15am the following morning.

He died from acute alcohol poisoning, a jury at Nenagh Circuit Court court heard.

Bar manager Gary Wright and barman Aidan Dalton have both denied the manslaughter of Mr Parish, from Calder Terrace in Lomeshaye.

Paddy McCarthy, senior counsel for the State, said the pair were accused of gross negligence that caused the death of Mr Parish.

Witnesses told the court Mr Parish had a "party trick" and challenged five other British contractors that he could drink a pint the quickest.

Electrician Craig Bateson said Mr Parish then told the lads if they picked two shots each he could down them faster than anyone.

A barrister for Mr Dalton claimed the barman thought the shots were being shared among the group and that he was not aware of the challenge.

“I believe he was,” replied Mr Bateson.

He said Mr Parish was drowsy but smiling and trying to open his eyes as four of them attempted to carry him to his room on the second floor shortly after midnight.

But they left the pipe fitter, on his side in the recovery position in a conference room at the top of the stairs on the first floor.

They went and checked on Mr Parish, who was snoring, before they went to bed.

Marcus Ludwell, who worked with Mr Parish, said he paid about 40 euro for the round of shots.

If convicted, Wright, 34 and Dalton, 28, who are both from Kilfithmone, Borrisoleigh in Co Tipperary, face a minimum suspended sentence, up to a maximum sentence of life in jail.

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