Murder of Tipperary DJ by Pat Quirke shocked the nation
RTÉ has revealed a new drama series based on the disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan.
The Murder of Mr Moonlight, commissioned by RTÉ alongside the BBC, Screen Ireland and distributors Banijay Rights, is based on the book of the same title by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan. The best-selling book was published in 2019.
Truck driver Bobby Ryan disappeared in June 2011 and his body was discovered nearly two years later, in April 2013, hidden inside a slurry tank.
He was known locally as ‘Mr Moonlight’ for his work as a part-time DJ and entertainer, performing in pubs, clubs and venues around Tipperary under the stage name.
Patrick Quirke, the brother-in-law of Mr Ryan’s girlfriend Mary Lowry, was convicted of murder in May 2019, at the end of what was the longest-running murder trial in the history of the State.
The story has been adapted for the screen by writer Malcolm Campbell, whose credits include the films What Richard Did and 500 Miles.
“I was drawn to this story because of the people caught up in it, the human factor, the cost of it all,” Mr Campbell said. “At its heart are real people whose lives were profoundly affected by these events.
“Our responsibility has been to approach the process with care, sensitivity and rigorous research, while exploring the relationships and circumstances that made this case so compelling.”
The cast of the five-part series includes Brendan Coyle as Bobby Ryan, Owen McDonnell as Patrick Quirke and Sinéad Keenan as Mary Lowry.
Other names on the bill include Hazel Doupe as Bobby’s daughter Michelle, Carolyn Bracken as Patrick’s wife Imelda, and Ian Lloyd Anderson.
Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, of producers Conker Pictures, said the story was “one of the most significant crime stories in recent Irish history”.
“Our ambition has always been to move beyond the headlines and explore the human story behind the case,” they said.
“At the heart of the story is Bobby Ryan, whose life was tragically cut short. However, even after his death, his story was overshadowed by the media’s fascination with Pat Quirke and his former lover Mary Lowry.
“This drama intends to give a voice back to Bobby and his family. ”
RTÉ head of drama David Crean said Mr Campbell had “written a compelling story about the tragedy of Bobby Ryan”.
“This moving human story is brought to life with the help of an amazing cast, and directed with real sensitivity by Dathaí Keane and Rachel Carey.”
Kate McColgan, the head of television at Screen Ireland, said: “The Murder of Mr Moonlight approaches deeply complex real-life events with huge care and sensitivity, all led by an incredibly strong Irish cast and creative team.
“Screen Ireland is proud to back screen storytelling like this – and we hope audiences at home and internationally will find the story as compelling and powerful as we have.”
Details for the broadcast of the series on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player would be announced “in due course”, the broadcaster said.