Farrell family reject bizarre dog theory and call for justice five years after father’s death

Five years after the death of Liam Farrell, the Rooskey man found under suspicious circumstances at his home in January 2020, his family met with Gardaí in Carrick-on-Shannon today to hear the findings of a peer review into the original investigation.

The meeting, which took place at the local Garda station, was led by Detective Inspector Ray Mulderrig and centred around 23 recommendations from a peer review conducted by Superintendent Peter Conlon. While no new investigation has been launched, the Farrell family was told that fresh lines of inquiry will now be pursued.

“We were told they’re going to re-interview some people and speak to individuals who were never interviewed in the first place,” Peter Farrell said after the meeting. “They’re also going to consult independent forensic experts from outside Ireland, which we welcome.”

Among the new recommendations discussed were the involvement of external forensic specialists, the re-examination of physical evidence—including clothing, the re-interviewing of key individuals, and the pursuit of new lines of inquiry.

However, some revelations left the family stunned. One Garda recommendation involves consulting an expert on Labrador behaviour to assess whether Mr Farrell’s dog could have removed items of clothing from his body—including socks, shoes, an overcoat, a blazer, his watch, and even a looped tie—prior to his discovery.

“When we were told about the dog, I honestly thought I misheard,” Peter said. “They’re going to bring in an expert to see if Marley, our dad’s Labrador, could have removed all of that. It’s hard to comprehend.”

Brendan Farrell added, “This was our dad. We found him in horrific circumstances, injured from head to toe. We expected more today—some kind of public appeal, maybe a reconstruction. That was promised, and yet today we were told it’s not included. We're very disappointed.”

The family confirmed they plan to escalate their concerns directly to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan. “We’ll be asking why promised actions like a reconstruction and a public appeal were not part of the recommendations,” Peter said.

During the meeting, the family also raised a breach of confidentiality relating to statements made by Brendan and their brother Willie. The family alleges that a serving member of An Garda Síochána accessed and shared details of their statements inappropriately. This breach is now the subject of a fourth investigation into the case, being handled by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Despite their frustration, the Farrells continue to call on the public to come forward with any information.

“Our father was a decent man who was deeply loved in Rooskey,” Brendan said. “We know there are people out there who know something. It’s never too late to come forward. Please, help us get justice for him.”

The family say they remain committed to seeing the case through and are prepared to take their campaign to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

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