A Drogheda woman accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death in a drunken row on New Years Eve, has told the Central Criminal Court that she "hit the drink" when she was 14 after being sexually abused for 7 years.

Paula Farrell, with an address at Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, Co Louth denies murdering Wayne McQuillan at her home on January 1st 2014.

In emotional testimony, Paula Farrell said that she had been sexually abused "all the time" between the ages of 7 and 14 and left school before second year.

She began drinking at the age of 14 to "block" the experiences and alcohol had played a central part in her three adult relationships, the court heard.

Ms Farrell said that her and Wayne McQuillan, or Quilly as she referred to him, met in a pub around the time of her 40th birthday.

They had "good times and bad times" in the relationship she said.

When asked by defense counsel what the pair would do together as a couple, Ms Farrell replied, "drink."

The 42-year-old said Wayne McQuillan went to Centra and Lidl at lunchtime on New Years Eve to buy 16 cans of cider for her and and flagons for himself.

They began drinking at around 3 o'clock that afternoon, and were "hugging and kissing" as they rang in the New Year.

An argument erupted a short time later.

Ms Farrell's testimony continues in the morning.