BREAKING: Exhumation of late Liam Farrell's remains underway in Leitrim

An exhumation of the remains of Rooskey man Liam Farrell will take place today as part of the garda investigation into circumstances around his death. 

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 12th January 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.

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"Liam Farrell left his home at Aughamore, Rooskey, Co. Leitrim, on the night of 11th January 2020 just before 9pm and made the 10-minute walk to Reynolds Pub, socialising with local people and patrons there.

"At 10.30pm, 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 12.15am on 12th January 2020, Liam Farrell left the Weir Lodge, crossed the road to the riverside and made the 10-minute walk home.

"On 12th January 2020 at approximately 3.30pm, 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 12th January 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 11th January 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 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,” Supt McTiernan said.