DPP rules out charges in Fr Niall Molloy killing

Nobody is to face charges arising from the killing of Fr Niall Molloy almost 30 years ago. The Director of Public Prosecutions has concluded an examination of a Garda file on the killing of the former parish priest of Castlecoote, Co Roscommon, and directed that no charges be brought.

Yesterday Fr Molloy’s family said they would now press ahead with their demand for a commission of inquiry to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding his death.

The 52-year-old priest was found beaten to death at the home of friends Richard and Teresa Flynn in Clara, Co Offaly, on July 8th, 1985. A family wedding had been celebrated earlier at the house.

Mr Flynn was charged with manslaughter and causing actual bodily harm. However, at his trial in 1986, Judge Frank Roe directed the jury to return a not-guilty verdict.

Following an investigation lasting over two years, the Garda serious crime review unit sent a file on the case to the DPP in May.

This year a meeting in Leinster House organised by Laois-Offaly Senator John Whelan and Roscommon Senator John Kelly looking for an inquiry was attended by more than 70 public representatives.