DPP to rule on Fr Molloy death case

A file on the death of Fr Niall Molloy in Clara in 1985 has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Offaly Independent has confirmed.

Speaking yesterday (Thursday) Fr Molloy’s nephew Bill Maher described the move as “encouraging” but said the family still wants a full inquiry into the priest’s death.

Fifty-two-year-old Roscommon priest Fr Niall Molloy died after a society wedding in the Clara house of Richard Flynn in 1985, but nobody has ever been convicted in relation to his death.

Calls have repeatedly been made for an independent inquiry into the death. Just three months ago a meeting in Leinster House organised by Laois/Offaly Senator John Whelan and Roscommon Senator John Kelly looking for such an inquiry was attended by more than 70 public representatives.

Now following a probe lasting more than two years the Serious Crime Review Unit has sent a file on the case to the DPP.

“We’re happy,” Mr Maher said reacting to the news. “It’s an encouraging move in the case after a long time.”

However Mr Maher is keen to point out that a submission to the DPP is just one aspect of the case.

“We still want a full inquiry into what happened all those years ago in terms of investigations and cover-ups,” he said. “The DPP is only going to look at whether there’s going to be charges brought against people or not. There’s a whole bigger picture out there. It’s encouraging, but it still doesn’t change our quest for an inquiry.”