Courts / Tipperary / Report

Pat Quirke told social worker that Mary Lowry had "lost the run of herself"

Date
2019-03-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tipperary

Summary

Patrick Quirke, aged 50, told a social worker that Mary Lowry, aged 52, was leaving her three children unsupervised for long periods on weekends, mainly from 4 pm until early morning, for about three months. He said the children were being left alone while Lowry spent time with a new boyfriend, and that Lowry had been widowed three‑and‑a‑half years earlier. Quirke described Lowry as having "lost the run of herself" and being fixated on the relationship, failing to consider the children's needs. He also noted that Lowry's grandmother, who lived next door, was not asked to look after the children. Quirke advised the social worker to call the Gardaí if there were immediate concerns and said he would open a report. The witness also reported that Quirke had called Lowry's home unannounced on 10 February, found a man who did not identify himself, and that a colleague made a second visit. Patrick Quirke pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pat Quirke told social worker that Mary Lowry had "lost the run of herself". Charges or matters: the murder of part-time DJ Bobby Ryan. Procedural stage: trial

When: