Liam Farrell’s body exhumed as part of Garda cold case review

The body of 87-year-old Roosky farmer Liam Farrell was exhumed today, Friday, April 10th, under the auspices of a Garda cold case team investigating the circumstances surrounding his suspicious death six years ago.

The exhumation, which took place at Cloonmorris Cemetery in Bornacoola, was performed by members of the Garda Technical Bureau with the assistance of the relevant funeral undertakers. 

Chief State Pathologist, Professor Linda Mulligan, a Senior Environmental Health Officer from the HSE and members of Liam Farrell’s family were also present, including his five children.

A post-mortem will now be carried out Mr Farrell's remains, the results of which will remain confidential for operational reasons.

Mr Farrell was found bloodied and bruised by family members at the back door of his house on January 12th 2020. His family firmly believes he was assaulted before suffering a heart attack.

Earlier this month, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan approved a formal request from An Garda Síochána and the Sligo/Leitrim coroner for the exhumation.

Speaking at Bornacoola cemetery today, Chief Supt Des McTiernan, who is heading up the cold case team, issued a renewed appeal for information to assist with the investigation into Mr Farrell’s death.

"Again, I am appealing to anyone who was socialising in Reynolds Pub or the Weir Lodge on the night of 11th of January 2020 and recall seeing Liam Farrell there.

"Similarly, I am appealing to anyone who may have seen Liam Farrell leave the Weir Lodge in the early hours of 12th January 2020, cross the road to the riverside and walk home.

"I am, in particular, appealing to any person who may have any information regarding the case to come forward and assist in our efforts to get clarity on the events of 12th January 2020 and the subsequent discovery of Liam Farrell by his son and daughter," he said.

Despite a jury recording an open verdict at Liam Farrell’s inquest in September 2024, his family have always believed that foul played was involved in their father’s death.

The inquest heard how he was found by family members at the back door of his house. 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. The inquest ruled that his injuries were not inconsistent with either those suffered by falling during a heart attack or the involvement of a third party. The family was seeking a verdict of unlawful killing.

Anyone who may have any information which could assist the investigation can contact the Serious Crime Review Team by email: nbci.scrt@garda.ie or by ringing the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.