GARDAÍ ARE TO exhume the remains of Leitrim man Liam Farrell in order to “progress the case forensically”.
Mr Farrell was aged 87 when he was found dead in 2020.
He left his home just before 9pm at Aughamore, Rooskey, Co Leitrim, on 11 January 2020.
He made the 10-minute walk to Reynolds Pub, socialising with local people and patrons there.
At 10.30pm, he left Reynolds Pub and went next door to the Weir Lodge, where he also socialised with some of the local people, in addition to having drinks with a very close friend.
At 12.15am on 12 January 2020, Liam Farrell left the Weir Lodge, crossed the road to the riverside and made the 10-minute walk home.
At around 3.30pm on 12 January 2020, he was discovered unresponsive by his son and daughter to the rear of his house.
Later that evening, he was pronounced dead.
Speaking today, Garda Chief Superintendent Des McTiernan said the body of Liam Farrell is being exhumed pursuant to an order granted by the Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan.
McTiernan said the exhumation process is an attempt to progress the case forensically to “get clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death of Liam Farrell”.
He said 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.
Members of Liam Farrell’s family are also present, including his five children.
Meanwhile, McTiernan remarked that Liam Farrell was a “very popular member of the Rooskey community” and that his family has “deep ties there”.
“Despite his 87 years, Liam Farrell was a fit man at 6’2’’ tall,” said McTiernan.
“On the night of 11 January 2020, he was wearing a dark suit, with a light blue shirt and dark wine-coloured tie.”
He appealed for information from anyone who was socialising in Reynolds Pub or the Weir Lodge on the night of 11 January 2020 and recall seeing Mr Farrell there.
He also appealed to anyone who may have seen Mr Farrell leave the Weir Lodge in the early hours of 12 January 2020.
“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 12 January 2020 and the subsequent discovery of Liam Farrell by his son and daughter.”