Investigation into the Death of Liam Farrell

On Sunday 12th of January 2020, between 3pm – 3.30pm, Liam Farrell was discovered in an unresponsive state by his family at the rear of his home in Roosky, Co. Leitrim.  Liam was subsequently pronounced dead later that evening after he had been removed by ambulance to hospital.

Garda Investigation:

Since Liam Farrell died in 2020, his loved ones have continued to search for answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. A coroner’s inquest last September returned an open verdict, and the Garda Commissioner has appointed the Serious Crime Review Team lead by Detective Superintendent Des Mc Tiernan who have begun an investigation. As part of that investigation Detective Superintendent Mc Tiernan appealed on Crimecall for any information that could help shed light on Liam’s final hours.

He spoke of Liam as someone who was a very beloved and popular figure in his community in Roosky with his family having deep ties there. He referenced Liam’s son Brendan’s Crimecall interview when he spoke about how he and his five siblings have endured an unimaginable loss following their father’s death on 12th of January, 2020.

Chief Superintendent Mc Tiernan covered the following during his interview with RTE presenter Carl Mc Brien.

Movements of Liam Farrell:

• Liam left his home at Aughamore, Rooskey village, just before 9pm on Saturday 11th January 2020. He completed the 10-minute walk to Reynolds Pub and met some locals there.
• He left Reynolds Pub at approx. 10:30pm to go next door to the Weir Lodge where he met a close friend.
• At about 12.15am Liam left the Weir Lodge and headed home, following a normal routine – crossing to the opposite side of the road from the Weir Lodge to the riverside, facing the traffic. He continued his route home where it is estimated he arrived (10) minutes later.

Injuries to Liam Farrell:

• He was covered in blood, had bruising to his left eye and his feet.
• Shoes and socks were removed
• Watch was broken

Exhumation:

• An exhumation order to exhume Liam’s remains has been granted and It is expected that his remains will be exhumed in the next few weeks. It is intended that a forensic post mortem will be conducted supported by an anthropologist.

Garda appeal:

• We are endeavouring to establish with clarity all the circumstances surrounding Liam’s death
• Were you socialising on the same night and who may have been drinking in Reynolds Pub or the Weir Lodge?
• Did you see Liam Farrell walk home from the Weir Lodge in the early hours of the 12th of January 2020?
• Do you have any information pertinent to this case or are you aware of ‘other’ people who may potentially have information?