Body of retired farmer exhumed as gardaí make new appeal over death
By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association
The body of a Co Leitrim pensioner is being exhumed as gardaí issued a new appeal about the circumstances of his death in 2020.
Gardaí said the exhumation of 87-year-old Liam Farrell is an attempt to “get clarity” over how he died.
The retired farmer died on January 12th, 2020.
The exhumation is being carried out on Friday following an order granted by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
Chief Superintendent Des McTiernan said: “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 January 12 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.”
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 January 12 2020 and the subsequent discovery of Liam Farrell by his son and daughter
Members of Farrell’s family, including his five children, are present for the exhumation in Co Leitrim.
Gardaí said he left his home at Aughamore, Rooskey, Co Leitrim, on the night of January 11th 2020, just before 9pm, and made the 10-minute walk to Reynolds Pub, where he met with local people.
At 10.30pm, he left the pub and went next door to the Weir Lodge, where he socialised with more people.
Gardaí said he had drinks with a very close friend while there.
At 12.15am on January 12th, he left the Weir Lodge, crossed the road to the riverside and made the 10-minute walk home.
At around 3.30pm he was discovered unresponsive by his son and daughter to the rear of his house. Later that evening he was pronounced dead.
McTiernan added: “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 6ft 2in tall.
“On the night of January 11 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 January 11 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 January 12 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 January 12 2020 and the subsequent discovery of Liam Farrell by his son and daughter.”
