BBC and RTÉ to air new TV show about Tipperary murder

RTÉ has commissioned a new show, The Murder of Mr. Moonlight in association with the BBC and Screen Ireland and Banijay Rights.

The series brings to screen one of the most compelling and talked-about cases in modern Irish history, exploring the disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan, known locally as "Mr. Moonlight", and the events that would ultimately lead to one of Ireland's longest-ever murder trials.

Details on when it will be shown will be announced at a later date.

Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey) stars as Bobby Ryan alongside Sinéad Keenan (Unforgotten, Little Boy Blue) as Mary Lowry and Owen McDonnell (Killing Eve, Bad Sisters, Single-Handed) as Patrick Quirke.

They are joined by Hazel Doupe (Say Nothing, Kathleen Is Here, Smother) as Bobby’s daughter, Michelle Ryan, Carolyn Bracken (Oddity, The Gone) as Pat's wife, Imelda Quirke and Ian Lloyd Anderson (The Long Shadow, Blood, Love/Hate).

Additional cast includes Danny Power (The Young Offenders), Helena Browne (Leonard and Hungry Paul), Muiris Crowley (Foundation), Aidan O'Hare (Bad Sisters), Emmet Byrne (Alex Rider, Striking Out) and Pom Boyd (The Dry, Frank of Ireland).

Set within a close-knit rural community, The Murder of Mr. Moonlight explores the relationships, secrets and tensions that lay behind a case which captivated Ireland for more than a decade.

Through the perspectives of those closest to the events, the series examines the devastating impact of loss, the search for justice and the far-reaching consequences of a tragedy that changed lives forever.

The series is based on Catherine Fegan’s book The Murder of Mr Moonlight alongside extensive research and interviews.

Writer Malcolm Campbell said: "I was drawn to this story because of the people caught up in it, the human factor, the cost of it all. At its heart are real people whose lives were profoundly affected by these events. Our responsibility has been to approach the process with care, sensitivity and rigorous research, while exploring the relationships and circumstances that made this case so compelling.”

Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, executive producers, Conker Pictures, said: "The Murder of Mr. Moonlight is one of the most significant crime stories in recent Irish history.

“Our ambition has always been to move beyond the headlines and explore the human story behind the case.

“At the heart of the story is Bobby Ryan, whose life was tragically cut short. However even after his death his story was overshadowed by the media’s fascination with Pat Quirke and his former lover Mary Lowry.

“This drama intends to give a voice back to Bobby and his family. Through extensive research and engagement with those connected to the events, we have sought to create a drama that is thoughtful, balanced and respectful to everyone portrayed. We hope the series honours his memory by ensuring he is remembered not simply as the victim of an extraordinary case, but as a father, grandfather, friend and much-loved member of his community.”

David Collins, Executive Producer, Samson Films said: “The case surrounding the real-life murder of Bobby Ryan gripped the nation due to its shocking courtroom revelations and intense media scrutiny.

"The Murder of Mr. Moonlight" does not aim merely to re-enact these events but to interpret them with psychological depth and emotional sensitivity. The series prioritises a respectful tone that, above all, seeks to honour Bobby and all who were affected by these extraordinary events."

David Crean, Head of Drama, RTÉ said: "Malcolm Campbell has written a compelling story about the tragedy of Bobby Ryan. This moving human story is brought to life with the help of an amazing cast, and directed with real sensitivity by Daithaí Keane and Rachel Carey.”