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Digging has begun for the remains of a man believed to have been shot by the IRA during the War of Independence almost 100 years ago.

Members of the Garda Technical Bureau are currently at the scene in Co Kerry near Boolteens where the search is under way.

According to RTE, gardai began their operation after receiving detailed information from a local person.

It is understood the man was believed to have been an informer and was executed by a local division of the IRA.

The War of Independence was fought between 1919 and 1921.

Local man Tommy Griffin said the story was well known in the area, but not openly talked about.

“He was a travelling man who went from place to place selling miraculous medals and religious memorabilia.

“According to the old people he was Brennan from North Kerry and had the nickname ‘Jacob’s Ladder’.

"He was shot by the IRA down at the cross before being buried here in a shallow grave,” he told RTE.

Inspector Dónall Ashe of Tralee Garda Station said the information they had received was very specific and the search was focused on the corner of a small field.