MEP writes to Garda Commissioner calling for new probe into Liam Farrell’s death

Midlands Northwest MEP Ciaran Mullooly has written to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris calling for "a new and appropriately resourced investigation" into the full circumstances surrounding the death of elderly Roosky farmer Liam Farrell five years ago.

The 87-year-old, who died in suspicious circumstances in January 2020, was discovered at the back door of his home. His family believe their father was the subject of an assault before he suffered a heart attack.

In a letter seen by the Roscommon Herald, Mr Mullooly points out that the family of the late Liam Farrell had been in touch with him regarding the findings of an inquest carried out into his death by the Leitrim County Coroner on September 11th 2024.

In his letter to the Garda Commissioner, he outlines that a jury at Carrick-on-Shannon Coroner's Court delivered an open verdict on that day into the death of Mr Farrell.

His letter states: “As you will appreciate an open verdict means that the evidence does not fully or clearly explain the cause and circumstances of death.

“In the course of sworn evidence given to the inquest, I am informed that Professor Paul Hartel, a consultant pathologist at Sligo University Hospital, who carried out a post mortem at the request of an Garda Síochána, stated that at the time of the autopsy, he had not been informed by An Garda Síochána that the body had been found in suspicious circumstances. Had he been informed, he stated, he would have refused to carry out the autopsy as he is not a forensic pathologist,” the letter says.

Mr Mullooly says that based on this serious matter and its implications towards establishing how Mr Farrell died and "the totality of the evidence presented to this inquest, the family of Mr Liam Farrell have contacted me to make it known that they now are requesting that An Garda Síochána would instigate a new and appropriately resourced investigation into the full circumstances of his death”.

His letter points out that the Commissioner has instigated an internal Garda inquiry into the policing of this incident.

“While I feel the results of this may be helpful, it is the family's view that a new overall investigation under a new team of officers of appropriate experience and standing should now proceed. 

"The matters raised at the inquest into Mr Farrell's death are of very serious concern to me,” he said.

Mr Mullooly said that as a member of the European Parliament, he holds the ethos of the rule of law very highly. 

“I concur with the Farrell family's view that there must be confidence in the Garda administration of justice in every member state in this and all investigations when lives are lost,” the letter concluded.

Last Sunday, the Farrell family unveiled a memorial plaque at their father's home which is appealing for public information.