BBC ACQUIRES NEW IRISH FACTUAL DRAMA, THE MURDER OF MR MOONLIGHT, BASED ON CATHERINE FEGAN BOOK

The BBC has acquired a new factual drama, The Murder of Mr. Moonlight, commissioned by RTÉ in association with Screen Ireland and Banijay Rights. The series is adapted for television by Malcolm Campbell (What Richard Did, 500 Miles), and produced by Conker Pictures (part of Banijay UK) and Samson Films with additional funding from Screen Ireland.

The series brings to screen one of the most compelling and talked-about stories in modern Irish history, exploring the disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan and the events that would ultimately lead to one of Ireland's longest-ever murder trials.

Bobby Ryan disappeared in June 2011 and his body was discovered in April 2013 on a farm in County Tipperary. Following an extensive investigation, Patrick Quirke was convicted of Ryan's murder in 2019 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Ryan was affectionately known as "Mr. Moonlight" due to his work as a local DJ entertainer, regularly performing in local pubs, clubs and social venues under that stage name.

Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey, Toxic Town) stars as Bobby Ryan alongside Sinéad Keenan (Unforgotten, Little Boy Blue) as Mary Lowry - Bobby’s girlfriend and Owen McDonnell (Killing Eve, Bad Sisters) as Patrick Quirke.

They are joined by Hazel Doupe (Say Nothing, Kathleen Is Here) as Bobby’s daughter, Michelle Ryan and Carolyn Bracken (Oddity, The Gone) as Pat's wife, Imelda Quirke.

Additional cast includes Ian Lloyd Anderson (The Long Shadow, Blood), Danny Power (The Young Offenders), Helena Browne (Leonard and Hungry Paul), Muiris Crowley (Foundation), Aidan O'Hare (Bad Sisters), Emmet Byrne (Alex Rider) and Pom Boyd (Frank of Ireland).

Set within a close-knit rural community, The Murder of Mr. Moonlight explores the relationships, secrets and tensions that lay behind a case which captivated Ireland for more than a decade. Through the perspectives of those closest to the events, the series examines the devastating impact of loss, the search for justice and the far-reaching consequences of a tragedy that changed lives forever.

The series is based on Catherine Fegan’s book The Murder of Mr Moonlight alongside extensive research and interviews. It moves beyond the headlines to explore the human story behind one of the most remarkable criminal investigations in modern Irish history.

Writer Malcolm Campbell says: "I was drawn to this story because of the people caught up in it, the human factor, the cost of it all. 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."

Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, executive producers, Conker Pictures, say: "The Murder of Mr. Moonlight is 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. 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.”

“Through extensive research and engagement with those connected to the events, we have sought to create a drama that is thoughtful, balanced and respectful to everyone portrayed. We hope the series honours his memory by ensuring he is remembered not simply as the victim of an extraordinary case, but as a father, grandfather, friend and much-loved member of his community.”

More details will be announced in due course.