Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly calls for new full Garda investigation into death of Liam Farrell

Ciaran Mullooly, a Member of the European Parliament, has renewed his call for transparency and accountability from An Garda Siochana regarding the unresolved circumstances surrounding the death of Liam Farrell, a farmer from Rooskey, County Leitrim, who died under suspicious circumstances in January 2020. 

Speaking after meeting with the Farrell family at the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Mr Farrell's home to mark the fifth anniversary of Liam’s death, MEP Mullooly expressed his deep concern over the lack of progress in the case. 

MEP Mullooly met with Liam Farrell's family at the farmer's home for the unveiling of a memorial plaque to mark the fifth anniversary of his passing. Here Mullooly expressed his deep concern over the lack of progress in the case.

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“I met with the Farrell family today at this moving ceremony and listened to their heartfelt appeal for answers,” He said, “They have made it very clear to me that there is still a total lack of clarity about the circumstances surrounding their father’s death. While I understand a Garda review of the investigation is underway, I do not believe such an internal inquiry will bring any meaningful closure to the family. Their legitimate concerns must be addressed.” 

The plaque unveiled by the family serves as both a tribute to Liam Farrell and a public appeal for information. It features a photograph of Mr Farrell with his dog Marley, alongside a message urging anyone with knowledge about the incident to come forward via a Garda confidential number, 1800 666 111. The ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and neighbours who continue to seek justice for Mr Farrell. 

“The family remains convinced that a third party was involved in Liam’s death,” MEP Mullooly stated. “It is shocking that five years later, they still feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed by the authorities. This ongoing uncertainty is unacceptable.”

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MEP Mullooly raised several critical questions about the original Garda investigation. He queried why no nationwide appeal for information was conducted at the time and why a reenactment of the incident was not featured on RTE’s Crimecall programme to generate public awareness. He also questioned how the blunt force injuries identified during Mr Farrell’s inquest align with Garda conclusions. 

“This afternoon the family of Mr Farrell invited me to personally examine the photographic evidence taken after the death and the scene of the incident - my only conclusion after this distressing experience is that the Garda Commissioner must now appoint a senior officer to carry out an entirely new inquiry into the death of Mr Farrell and the Minister for Justice must ensure this happens immediately,” MEP Mullooly added. 

“I fully support the family’s call for a completely new investigation into this case,” he continued. “The possibility that this was a serious crime scene should have been treated with the utmost urgency from day one.” Speaking after today’s event, Peter Farrell, one of Liam’s sons, reiterated the family’s determination, “We just want answers and justice for our father. If anyone has any information, no matter how small, we urge them to come forward.” As calls for action intensify, MEP Mullooly reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Farrell family in their pursuit of truth and justice.

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