Garda commissioner says investigation into death of Roosky farmer is ‘on-going’
Bernie Farrell (wife of Brendan Farrell), Mel Farrell (brother of Liam Farrell), Brendan and Liam Farrell (sons of Liam Farrell) at a plaque in memory of Liam Farrell at the family home in Roosky.
The family of the late Liam Farrell have been assured by the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that the investigation into the death of their father remains on-going
The elderly Roosky farmer was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his home in January 2020.
Prior to a meeting with the Garda Commissioner today Thursday, Mr Farrell’s son Willie Farrell stated: “We’ve been seeking this meeting for some time. We’re looking forward to sharing our position on our father’s case with the commissioner,” he said.
The family of the 87-year-old widower strongly believe their father was the subject of an assault before he suffered a heart attack.
An inquest into Mr Farrell’s death in September heard that he was discovered by family members at his home on January 13th, 2020. He was covered in blood with his shoes and socks removed, his watch broken and bruising to his left eye and his feet. The jury recorded an open verdict into his death.
Commissioner Harris had ordered a peer review of the original garda investigation into the case late last year.
At a press conference following the meeting with the Commissioner today Frank Buttimer, family solicitor, stated: “The family have received information from the Garda Commissioner particularly to the effect that this is an ongoing open inquiry. The family have to respect the integrity of any police inquiry and quite clearly the detail of the meeting has got to remain confidential.
“However, the family are reassured that the inquiry is ongoing. Based upon the information, which the family have received, they would expect to hear back further from the Commissioner or his successor and the team dealing with the matter in the relatively near future because of the information which they have received and they await further engagement with the Garda Commissioner and his colleagues arising from the information which will be furnished to them in early course.”
A statement from the Garda Press Office further outlined: “Garda Commissioner Drew Harris met today with the family of Mr Farrell to provide them with an update on the implementation by the investigation team of recommendations from the peer review process.
“An Garda Síochána carried out a full investigation into the death of Mr Farrell on the evening of the 12th January, 2020. A Garda investigation file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. No prosecution was directed. Following the Coroner’s Court verdict, the Garda Commissioner confirmed that An Garda Síochána would carry out a peer review of the original investigation.
“That peer review involved a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from an external Garda Division carrying out an examination of the original investigation. In recent months, the peer review process into the investigation into the death of Mr Liam Farrell provided an update on its work to the family of Mr Farrell. An Garda Síochána will continue to engage with the family of Mr Farrell.
“In general, such peer reviews contain recommendations. In this case, the peer review process has concluded and its recommendations have been supplied to the investigation team who are actioning them. A peer review is not a re-opening or a re-start of any criminal investigation,” the statement concluded.
