EXCLUSIVE: Irish broadcaster RTÉ will discover some of the high-profile murders in latest Irish historical past in a drama collection.
The Homicide of Mr. Moonlightfrom Conker Photos and Samson Movies, has been pre-bought by the BBC, we hear, with Banijay Rights, Conker’s associate at Banijay Leisure, additionally connected.
Malcolm Campbell (What Richard did) adapts the guide of the identical title by Catherine Fegan, with Meadhbh McHugh and Paul Howard additionally writing. Daithaí Keane and Rachel Carey are the administrators.
The collection focuses on the disappearance and homicide of Bobby Ryan, recognized domestically as ‘Mr. Moonlight’ and the occasions which might result in one of many longest homicide trials in Irish historical past. Ryan, Bobby Ryan, affectionately often known as ‘Mr Moonlight’, attributable to his work as a neighborhood DJ and entertainer, disappeared in June 2011 and his physique was found two years later in an underground slurry runoff tank.
Brendan Coyle (Poisonous metropolis, Life level) performs Bobby Ryan, with Owen McDonnell (Kill Eve, Dangerous sisters) as Patrick Quirke, who was finally convicted of the homicide and sentenced to life imprisonment, and Sinéad Keenan (Unforgotten, Little Boy Blue) as Mary Lowry, Ryan’s girlfriend and Quirke’s former lover.
They’re joined by Hazel Doupe (Say nothing, Kathleen is right here) as Michelle Ryan, Bobby’s daughter Carolyn Bracken (Singularity, The Get together) as Patrick’s spouse Imelda Quirke and Ian Lloyd Anderson (The lengthy shadow, Blood).
Extra solid consists of Danny Energy (Younger offenders), Helena Browne (Leonard and hungry Paul), Maurice Crowley (Basis), Aidan O’Hare (Dangerous sisters), Emmet Byrne (Alex Cavalier) and Pom Boyd (The dry).
Located inside a close-knit rural group in County Tipperary, The Homicide of Mr. Moonlight will study the relationships, secrets and techniques and tensions behind a case that has captivated Eire for greater than a decade.
“I used to be drawn to this story due to the individuals concerned, the human issue, the price of all of it,” mentioned author Campbell. “At its coronary heart are actual individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected by these occasions. Our duty has been to method the method with care, sensitivity and rigorous analysis, whereas exploring the relationships and circumstances that made this case so compelling.
The present is predicated on Fegan’s guide and in depth analysis and interviews, and for RTÉ it marks the primary in a possible collection of dramas exploring extraordinary true tales from trendy Eire.
Earlier this yr, RTÉ introduced it will produce a report 160 hours of Irish drama in 2026, a rise from 142 hours final yr. As such, RTÉ is the commissioner in affiliation with the BBC, Display Eire, media regulator Coimisiún na Meán and Banijay Rights, which is able to present worldwide distribution.
David Crean, Head of Drama at RTÉ, mentioned: “This shifting human story is delivered to life with the assistance of an unimaginable solid and is delivered to life with actual sensitivity by Daithaí Keane and Rachel Carey. »
London-based Conker, a part of Banijay UK and behind the BBC comedy collection Northern Eire Rewardco-produced alongside Samson Movies, a Dublin-based tv and movie firm recognized for actors like Aidan Gillen Gorky Resort and LGBTQ interval drama Ancestorswhich stars Éanna Hardwicke, Jack Wolfe, Jessica Reynolds, Rupert Everett and Christina Hendricks.
Government producers are Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin for Conker, David Collins for Samson, author Campbell, Crean for RTÉ, Kate McColgan and Sarah Dillon for Display Eire, and Cathy Payne and Simon Cox for Banijay Rights government producers. Alex Jones is producer of the collection and Thérèse Friel is producer.
“The Homicide of Mr. Moonlight is likely one of the most vital crime tales in latest Irish historical past,” mentioned Varvell and Bulfin, in an announcement. “Our ambition has at all times been to transcend the headlines and discover the human story behind this case.
“On the coronary heart of the story is Bobby Ryan, whose life was tragically lower brief. Nonetheless, even after his loss of life, his story was overshadowed by the media’s fascination with Pat Quirke and his former lover Mary Lowry. This drama goals to present a voice to Bobby and his household.”
“The case surrounding the real-life homicide of Bobby Ryan captivated the nation due to its stunning courtroom revelations and intense media scrutiny,” Samson’s Collins mentioned. “The Homicide of Mr. Moonlight goals not merely to relive these occasions however to interpret them with psychological depth and emotional sensitivity. The collection favors a respectful tone that seeks above all to honor Bobby and all those that have been affected by these extraordinary occasions.
Sue Deeks, head of pre-purchased script acquisitions on the BBC, famous that though the case “has gripped Eire for a few years”, it “stays comparatively unknown within the UK. I am unable to consider a greater group to convey this extraordinary and heartbreaking story to a wider viewers”.
Particulars of transmission on RTÉ One and RTÉ Participant will likely be introduced “sooner or later”. No phrase on BBC schedules both.