A son of 87-year-old Leitrim man Liam Farrell, who was found dead outside his home six years ago, has welcomed news of developments in the investigation into his father's death and appealed for information.
Last night, RTÉ's Prime Time revealed that Minister of Justice Jim O'Callaghan has authorised the exhumation of Mr Farrell's remains.
The exhumation is to be carried out with the Garda Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) examining the death of the retired farmer.
State Pathologist Professor Linda Mulligan is expected to carry out a new post-mortem examination.
Mr Farrell's bruised and bloodied body was found outside his home in the village of Rooskey, Co Leitrim, on 12 January 2020.
Following a special Prime Time report on the case last September, members of the Farrell family met with the minister.
A short time later Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly informed them that the Serious Crime Review Team would be initiating a review.
Family thankful for investigation
Brendan Farrell said the family welcomes the minister's work on the case.
"It’s very difficult for us as a family to have to go through this, but anything that can help the investigation into the death of our father is very welcome.
"We're very thankful to the Serious Crimes Review Team for their ongoing work and their live investigation into our father's passing.
"Also, we're very thankful to the Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly for his work in light of our father’s case," he said.
Liam Farrell lived alone and, as was his routine, he went to two pubs in his local village Rooskey on the night of Saturday, 11 January 2020.
He was found slumped at the back door of his home the following Sunday afternoon, covered in blood, his shoes and socks removed, his watch broken and bruising to his left eye and his feet.
When gardaí arrived at the house, they sealed it off, a cordon was put up, and a forensic team came in to gather evidence.
At the time, gardaí submitted a file to the DPP. No prosecution was directed. A post-mortem examination concluded Mr Farrell died as a result of a heart attack.
An inquest returned an open verdict in September 2024.
Members of the Farrell family have never accepted that Liam died solely as a result of a heart attack and suspect a third party was involved in his death.
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Pathologist not informed body was moved
The pathologist who conducted the autopsy told the inquest into Mr Farrell’s death that he was not informed that the body had been taken from a scene which was suspicious.
He told the inquest that had he known that the death was suspicious, he would have refused to conduct the examination and insisted a forensic pathologist be drafted in.
That initial post-mortem examination was later reviewed by State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan, who said that the "pattern of injuries on the face and hands" raised some concerns and that the bruises on Liam Farrell’s hands and fingers may be defence injuries.
She outlined two possible scenarios. In one, Liam Farrell experienced a heart attack during which he fell and injured himself. In the other, the injuries were sustained as a result of an assault.
She added that the injuries were not inconsistent with either option.
Dr Mulligan's report noted "the involvement of another party cannot be ruled out based on the original autopsy report and the photographs provided".
Since Mr Farrell’s death, his family have campaigned and lobbied to have the investigation re-opened.
In a statement, gardaí said initial actions involved engagement by the SCRT with Liam Farrell's family and the garda investigation team.
Prime Time understands that the garda review team has spoken to several people in the Rooskey area in recent months.
It a statement, gardaí said "this review is active and ongoing".
Brendan Farrell has appealed for anyone with information about the weekend his father died to search their conscience and come forward to the Serious Crime Review Team.
"We would appeal to anybody out there who has any information, look deep into their hearts and if they can, come to the Serious Crimes Review Team with that information," he added.
Read more:
'Someone knows': A family's quest for answers after Leitrim death
