Courts / Tipperary / Report

"Not ideal": parts of concrete lid fell into waste tank during body recovery

Summary

In the trial of 50‑year‑old farmer Patrick Quirke, the defence presented the account of retired Garda Tony Chearnley, who operated an excavator to remove a concrete slab from the underground tank where DJ Bobby 'Mr Moonlight' Ryan's body was discovered on 30 April 2013. Chearnley explained that the slab had a pre‑existing crack and that, when pulled, it broke into many small pieces that fell into the tank. He reported no loud noises, no dust, and no pandemonium or panic among the Gardaí present. Chearnley admitted the concrete breaking up was "not ideal" but said it was the best he could do. Quirke, who pleaded not guilty to Ryan's murder, is on trial before Justice Eileen Creedon with a jury of twelve. The prosecution alleges the murder was committed to rekindle an affair with Ryan's girlfriend, Mary Lowry, aged 52. The trial continues this afternoon.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Not ideal": parts of concrete lid fell into waste tank during body recovery. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Ryan – a part-time DJ going by the name Mr Moonlight – on a date between June 3, 2011 and April 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 30, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 3, 2011 Other
• April 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-02-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report