Courts / Tipperary / Report

"Love rival" jury to visit farm where body was found in slurry pit

Summary

In a 2019 trial, Patrick Quirke, aged 50, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 52‑year‑old Bobby Ryan, a DJ known as Mr Moonlight, who was found dead in a slurry pit on a farm in Fawnagowan, Tipperary, in April 2013. The jury, composed of six men and six women, was instructed by Justice Eileen Creedon to visit the farm to observe the relevant buildings and surrounding land, but not to conduct investigations or take photographs. They were shown photographs of a run‑off tank, a slurry tank, and various farm buildings, as well as a broken hair clip, springs, and cable ties recovered from the pit. Det. Sergeant Larry Stapleton reported that bone fragments and hair were also recovered. The prosecution alleged that Quirke had a prior relationship with Ryan's girlfriend and murdered Ryan to rekindle that affair, relying on circumstantial evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Love rival" jury to visit farm where body was found in slurry pit. Charges or matters: the murder of 52-year-old Bobby Ryan on a date between June 3, 2011 and April 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 3, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-01-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report