The trial of the four men accused of abducting and assaulting Kevin Lunney has been put back until the Covid-19 vaccination is "well underway".
The case was due to be heard by the non-jury Special Criminal Court on Monday, having originally been listed for January.
It is now set for the end of May.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt said it was decided by the president of the high court that trials involving single defendants would resume on March 1st, meaning the case of Mr Lunney wouldn't be allowed under the current public health situation.
He said it was best to run the 12 week trial when the process of vaccination was "well underway" in the summer and "the current scourge was at its lowest ebb".
The trial is listed to begin on May 31, with Mr Justice Hunt adding "it will proceed to finish and if that includes going into August so be it."
66 year old Luke O'Reilly from Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, County Cavan, 25 year old Darren Redmond from Caledon Road, East Wall Dublin, 38 year old Alan O'Brien of Shelmalier Road, East Wall are all charged with false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Keven Lunney at Drumbrade, Ballinagh on September 17th 2019.
Another man, who can't be named for legal reasons, is also charged with the same offences at the same date and location.
