‘We won’t stop’: family presses for justice as Gardaí wrap review into Liam Farrell's death

The family of Leitrim pensioner Liam Farrell, who died in mysterious and disputed circumstances more than five years ago, met with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris this week for a long-awaited update on the case.

During the private meeting at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park, the Farrell family were told that a peer review of the original Garda investigation is now complete. The review was initiated after a Coroner’s Court verdict and carried out by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from an external Garda division.

In a statement issued following the meeting, Gardaí said the peer review had concluded and that its recommendations have now been passed on to the original investigation team, who are responsible for implementing them.

However, the statement also made clear that this is not a fresh investigation.

“A peer review is not a re-opening or a re-start of any criminal investigation,” Gardaí said.
They added that a full investigation was carried out in 2020, a file was sent to the DPP, and no prosecution was directed at the time.

Liam Farrell, 87, lived alone in Rooskey and was found by his daughter slumped on his back at the back door of his home on Sunday, 13 January 2020. His family have consistently maintained that there were suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and have called for a fresh investigation and the exhumation of his body.

Speaking after the meeting, the family’s solicitor Frank Buttimer said they were reassured the case remains active in some form.

“The family expects that An Garda Síochána will continue to pursue this matter diligently,” he said. “They await further engagement and expect to hear back within the next eight to ten weeks.”

Mr Buttimer added that the Commissioner assured the family his upcoming retirement would not affect the inquiry’s progress. “There is an independent peer review team,” he said, “and the family were told there is objectivity in the review process.”

Liam Farrell’s son, Willie Farrell, described the emotional weight of the meeting.

“It’s been five years and eight months. This is our life now. This is our mandate—to get justice for our father,” he said. “He was a solid man, a farmer from the west of Ireland who never hurt anyone.”

He welcomed the Commissioner’s willingness to meet but said the family still has unanswered questions, including around the original handling of forensic pathology and the decision not to exhume their father’s body.

“There’s stuff we can’t talk about publicly yet—to protect the integrity of the case—but we believe they are listening. This is not a cold case,” he said.

The family also issued a renewed public appeal for information.

“Even the smallest bit—something you’ve seen, heard, or felt—could make a difference. We ask anyone who knew our father to come forward, even to a family member if you don't feel comfortable talking to the Guards,” Willie said.

As the Garda Commissioner prepares to step down, the family is now urging his successor to take a “strong and active interest” in the case.

“All we can do is keep asking for answers. And we won’t stop until we know the truth.”

As the investigation continues, the Farrell family remains hopeful that justice will be served. “We’re hoping for further progression in the case and that we’re kept up to date,” Willie Farrell concluded, reiterating their commitment to uncovering the truth behind their father’s death.

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Family lawyer Frank Buttimer speaks to the media after an hour-long meeting yesterday at Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park with commissioner Drew Harris and the officer leading the investigation.