Ongoing push for justice in Liam Farrell case as family meets with Gardaí

The pursuit of justice for Liam Farrell, an elderly Leitrim farmer who died under suspicious circumstances in January 2020, continues as his family seeks answers. Following a recent meeting with Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Peter Conlon, the family has expressed cautious optimism. Willie Farrell, one of Liam's sons, took part in the meeting via a Zoom call from North Carolina and described it as "very comprehensive" and "very professional."

Conlon, commissioned by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, is conducting a peer review of the original investigation. His role, according to Willie Farrell, is to listen to the family's concerns but not comment on case details. "He was very straightforward and was in no rush to rush us out of there," Willie said. "We were able to explain our position on the issues with the case, and he was quite happy to listen to us."

The meeting included a visit to the family farm in Roosky, where Liam Farrell's body was found. The group noted the locations where the body and key items were discovered. "It was a very comprehensive meeting," Willie Farrell said. "Our expectation is that he’s going to do a robust peer review of the case."

The peer review process involves taking a fresh look at the original investigation. Once Conlon completes his review and identifies potential new lines of inquiry, he will present his findings to Commissioner Harris in Dublin. "He doesn't present it to us, he presents it to the commissioner," Willie said.

A crucial part of the case involves potential new forensic evidence found on the property. In September, a private forensic team hired by the family discovered traces of blood in a hay shed, revealing what Brendan Farrell described as "a second crime scene that was totally missed in the first initial investigation." The family turned the evidence over to the Gardaí, who conducted their own forensic investigation the following day, focusing on the old hay shed for over eight hours.

Despite this new evidence, Conlon declined to discuss any findings, citing his role as an independent reviewer. "He wasn’t in a position to talk about that, that's what he told us," Willie Farrell said. While the family had hoped for more clarity, they understood that Conlon's role is distinct from that of an active investigator.

While the family’s frustration is palpable, they recognize the limitations of Conlon’s role. "Yes and no," Willie said, when asked if the lack of updates was frustrating. "We understood going into it that this was his job — to do a peer review. Most of our experience with the guards is that they don’t share their means or methods, as they’re trying not to prejudice the case."

Brendan Farrell expressed similar sentiments prior to the meeting, noting that while the process was slow, it was still seen as a vital step forward. "It’s been five years now," Willie remarked. "But the fact that Drew Harris has commissioned him shows he’s taking it seriously. We’re looking forward to the outcome."

As the review continues, the family is cautiously optimistic. They acknowledge the flaws in the initial investigation, but believe a fresh review could lead to new evidence or fresh lines of inquiry. "What Drew Harris said was that when Conlon looks at the existing investigation, he will also look at it with a view to new lines of inquiry. That’s our hope — that he will look at it and identify new avenues," Willie stated.

The next step in the process is for Conlon to complete his review and submit it to Commissioner Harris. The family expects this to happen by late January, though there is no hard deadline. Once the peer review is submitted, the family hopes to meet with Harris to discuss its findings. "We have a meeting planned with Commissioner Harris once the peer review is done," Willie Farrell said.

For the Farrell family, the pursuit of justice is a deeply personal mission. "If anybody knew our father, he was a gentleman — a farmer who played by the rules," Willie Farrell said. The family remains resolute in their quest for justice. "We have to. We were raised that way. To do the right thing, to ask the awkward questions if that’s what it takes to get justice for our father."

Their father’s case has had a profound impact on the local community, with many elderly residents now living in fear. "One man said, 'If this could happen to your father, Liam Farrell, a big, strong man, what chance do the rest of us have?'" Willie recounted. The family hopes that by shining a light on their father’s case, they can bring attention to issues of rural safety and the importance of justice for victims.

For Willie Farrell and his family, the fight is not just about their father — it’s about ensuring no other family has to endure the same heartbreak. Their father was a "big, strong man" who lived a healthy, active life at 87 years old. "He was young beyond his years," Willie said. "He walked everywhere, and he was in good health. He didn’t deserve this."

The family’s unwavering determination serves as a reminder that justice requires persistence, patience, and the courage to ask difficult questions. As the review continues, the family remains hopeful that Commissioner Harris and SIO Conlon will follow through on their commitments. "Everything he said he was going to do, he’s doing," Willie said. "So on our end, we’re OK with that. He’s doing what he said he would do."

The family will continue to seek updates as the peer review progresses, knowing that closure may still be some time away. But for now, they are satisfied that the wheels of justice are finally turning.