Gardaí exhuming remains of west of Ireland man who died six years ago
An Garda Siochána has issued a statement on the investigation into the death of the Liam Farrell which occurred on January 12, 2020
Chief Superintendent Des McTiernan said: "Today, the body of the late Liam Farrell is being exhumed pursuant to an order granted by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
"The exhumation process is an attempt to progress the case forensically in order to get clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death of Liam Farrell on January 12, 2020.
"The exhumation is being performed by members of the Garda Technical Bureau with the assistance of the relevant funeral undertakers.
"Professor Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist is also present, in addition to a Senior Environmental Health Officer from the HSE.
"All necessary protocols governing an exhumation process have been implemented and will continue to remain in force until the exhumation concludes.
"Members of Liam Farrell’s family are also present including his five children.
"Liam Farrell left his home at Aughamore, Rooskey, Co. Leitrim, on the night of January 11, 2020, just before 9 p.m. and made the 10-minute walk to Reynolds Pub, socialising with local people and patrons there.
"At 10.30 p.m., Liam Farrell left Reynolds Pub and went next door to the Weir Lodge, where, similarly, he socialised with some of the local people, in addition to having a few drinks with a very close friend.
"At 12.15 a.m. on January 12, 2020, Liam Farrell left the Weir Lodge, crossed the road to the riverside and made the 10-minute walk home.
"On January 12, 2020 ,at approximately 3.30 p.m., Liam Farrell was discovered unresponsive by his son and daughter to the rear of his house at Aughamore, Rooskey, Co. Leitrim.
"Later that evening on January 12, 2020, Liam Farrell was pronounced dead.
"Liam Farrell was a very popular member of the Rooskey community. His family has deep ties there.
"Despite his 87 years, Liam Farrell was a fit man at 6’2’’ tall. On the night of January 11, 2020, he was wearing a dark suit, with a light blue shirt and dark wine coloured tie.
"Again, I am appealing to anyone who was socialising in Reynolds Pub or the Weir Lodge on the night of January 11, 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 January 12, 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 January 12, 2020, and the subsequent discovery of Liam Farrell by his son and daughter.”