GARDAÍ HAVE renewed an appeal for any information in relation to the murder of Offaly publican Matt Farrell a year ago today.
Mr Farrell’s body was discovered by his son Matthew with head and facial wounds at The Gaelic Bar in Daingean on April 1st, 2009.
The 64-year-old publican had been tied to a chair during the attack, which netted the robber, or robbers, just a few hundred euro.
He was last seen alive at his bar at 2.30am on the night of April 1st. At 7.20am his son discovered Mr Farrell’s body.
Appealing for information yesterday, Supt Fergus Dwyer said the crime was particularly sad because “there is a human element to this”.
“The investigation is at an advanced stage and we are of the belief that there are people out there in the broader community who have information regarding the crime. We have maintained close contact with the family throughout the investigation and kept them up to speed with developments,” said Supt Dwyer.
For such a thing to happen in a rural community was devastating, particularly for the family, who now need closure, commented Supt Dwyer.
Gardaí have distributed posters and leaflets regarding the case in Daingean and other towns throughout the midlands in recent months. However, a €10,000 reward for information has yet to be claimed.
The murder, which shook the small town of Daingean, has been featured on Crime Call and a separate Crimestoppers appeal last December.
The extensive investigation into Mr Farrell’s murder has led to six arrests. Gardaí have interviewed 1,200 people and taken 700 statements.
Anyone who may have information regarding the murder of Matt Farrell can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 250025, the gardaí in Tullamore on (057) 93 21305, or call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.