MEP Ciaran Mullooly has renewed his call for transparency and accountability from An Garda Siochana regarding the unresolved circumstances surrounding the death of Liam Farrell, of Rooskey, County Leitrim, who died under suspicious circumstances in January 2020.
Speaking after meeting with the Farrell family last Sunday at the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Mr Farrell’s home in Rooskey to mark the fifth anniversary of Liam’s death, MEP Mullooly expressed his deep concern over the lack of progress in the case.
“I met with the Farrell family at this moving ceremony and listened to their heartfelt appeal for answers,” said MEP Mullooly. “They have made it very clear to me that there is still a total lack of clarity about the circumstances surrounding their father’s death. While I understand a Garda review of the investigation is underway, I do not believe such an internal inquiry will bring any meaningful closure to the family. Their legitimate concerns must be addressed.
“The family remains convinced that a third party was involved in Liam’s death,” MEP Mullooly stated. “It is shocking that five years later, they still feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed by the authorities. This ongoing uncertainty is unacceptable”.
MEP Mullooly raised several critical questions about the original Garda investigation. He queried why no nationwide appeal for information was conducted at the time and why a re-enactment of the incident was not featured on RTE’s Crimecall programme to generate public awareness. He also questioned how the blunt force injuries identified during Mr Farrell’s inquest align with Garda conclusions.
“On Sunday, the family of Mr Farrell invited me to personally examine the photographic evidence taken after the death and the scene of the incident.
“My only conclusion after this distressing experience is that the Garda Commissioner must now appoint a senior officer to carry out an entirely new inquiry into the death of Mr Farrell and the Minister for Justice must ensure this happens immediately,” MEP Mullooly added.
