Courts / Tipperary / Report
"Moonlight" murder trial hears of "Polish" rumour
Summary
The trial of Patrick Quirke, 50, of Breanshamore, Co Tipperary, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Bobby 'Mr Moonlight' Ryan, continued at the Central Criminal Court. Prosecution witness Gary Cunningham testified that in 2013, after Ryan's body was discovered in a tank on land leased by the accused, Quirke asked him if he had heard any rumours. Cunningham stated Quirke then mentioned a rumour that a 'Polish group' was involved. Under cross-examination, Cunningham acknowledged a general rumour existed but could not recall hearing it from anyone other than Quirke. Another witness, Emmett Kenny, who worked on Quirke's farm from 2009, testified that he knew of the tank where the body was found, believing it to be an old septic tank. Kenny noted that cattle walked on the concrete slabs covering it without issue. He also recalled Quirke leaving for the bank holiday weekend when Ryan went missing in June 2011. The prosecution alleges Quirke murdered Ryan to rekindle an affair with Ryan's girlfriend, Mary Lowry. The trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Moonlight" murder trial hears of "Polish" rumour. Charges or matters: the murder of Bobby 'Mr Moonlight' Ryan. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 3, 2011 Other
- April 2013 Other
- October 2018 Other
- October 26, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-03-05 Publication
Why: This witness knew of the tank where Mr Ryan's body was found because he would be doing jobs around that area. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Bobby 'Mr Moonlight' Ryan (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Ms Lowry's house
Topics
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