Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

RT Investigates Reveals New Evidence related to the Death of Fr Niall Molloy

11/10/2022

Three new documents obtained including a 14-page account of his married life written by Richard Flynn

I went to Father's bedroom to find them both fast asleep in bed in their night attire

if the psychiatric assessment was available to the prosecution, I think it would've been a completely different outcome

Senior Law Lecturer.

WATCH THE PROMO here

In a special report this Tuesday night, RT Investigates reveals new evidence related to the death of Fr Niall Molloy in 1985 and the verdict of not guilty for Richard Flynn.

RT Investigates has obtained documents containing Richard Flynn's detailed view of events leading up to the incident, which reveal for the first time, in Richard Flynn's own words, the extent of his assault on Fr Molloy and a possible motive for it. These new documents include admissions by Richard Flynn that contradict what he told Garda .

Fr Niall Molloy was badly beaten and died on the bedroom floor of a married couple that he had been friends with, and in whose house he had his own bedroom. There were three people present at the time, businessman Richard Flynn, his wife Th r se and Fr Molloy.

37 years on from the death of the 52-year-old Roscommon priest and the acquittal of the Richard Flynn charged with causing his death, Richard Flynn, the story continues to receive significant public attention. In the last decade there has been a cold case review by the Serious Crime Review Team, a Department of Justice review, a report by the Garda Ombudsman, a two-part documentary last year on RT One, and last month, the release of a new book. Yet questions still remain.

During Richard Flynn's trial Judge Frank Roe was emphatic that despite rumours there was nothing improper in the relationship between Fr Molloy and Richard Flynn's wife Th r se that may have explained the assault: It is perfectly clear from all the evidence that the friendship between Father Molloy and Mrs Flynn was a perfectly proper one They were great friends for nearly thirty years and there is not an iota of evidence that there was anything improper in their relationship. Trial transcript June 12, 1986.

The new documents, however, show that in Richard Flynn's view there was much more to the relationship between Fr Molloy and Th r se Flynn than Judge Frank Roe was aware of. The documents shown tonight by RT Investigate suggest a previously undisclosed motive for Richard Flynn's attack on Fr Molloy.

There are three new documents featured in tonight's report which are key, including a 14-page account of his married life written by Richard Flynn. In the document, which he prepared for a publisher, he wrote that from about 1961, six years after he married, Fr Molloy began to stay regularly at the Flynn family home, and later effectively lived there. he would visit us about 2 or 3 times a week. Sometimes he would stay overnight and leave early in the morning to be on time for his parochial duties Richard Flynn wrote. My father, my brothers and sister were very concerned over Th r se's developing relationship with Fr. Molloy, they went everywhere together; shows, hunting etc so much so that on a visit to our home my father when he saw Fr Molloy in the yard actually told me to kick him out.

In another document Richard Flynn told his psychiatrist that he believed there was nothing physical in his wife's liaison, but two episodes disturbed him.

In a the third document, Richard Flynn detailed those episodes: One night on my return I could see her leaving Father's bedroom and going into her own, when I got to the bedroom, she pretended to be asleep - I woke her up and confronted her with what I saw and she denied it completely weeks later, I again was returning and I went to the bedroom to find Th r se not there I went to Father's bedroom to find them both fast asleep in bed in their night attire. I walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder, she woke up and ran to our bedroom In the morning I asked Th r se to leave and go and live with Fr Molloy and I would take care of the children. This she refused to do. I wrote off my marriage at this stage.

Richard Flynn also stated in the document that four or five years before Fr Molloy's death he consulted a solicitor about getting a legal separation from his wife because of her close relationship with Fr Molloy, but he didn't proceed because of concerns about their children.

Before his death earlier this year, Liam Hanniffy, who was the Chief Psychiatrist at St Fintan's Hospital in Portlaoise, and who had assessed Richard Flynn, spoke to RT Investigates about this. relationship almost akin to marriage inside of another more correct marriage it was a tough situation to face . I saw both of them having a problem. She for not seeing she had a problem in trying to sustain a marriage at the same time she was trying to sustain a serious boyfriend .

The documents obtained by RT Investigates also show that Richard Flynn had another version of what happened on that night in Co Offaly, a version that was different to what he had told gardai, a more damning version. Richard Flynn faced two charges: assault causing harm and manslaughter. He denied the charges and said he struck Fr Molloy in self-defence. In the hours after Fr Molloy died, Richard Flynn, in his only comments to garda , said that he had punched the priest in self-defence. I hit Fr. Molloy at least twice and probably three times in the face with my clenched fists.

Although Mr Flynn said he would make a full statement to the Garda , he never did, and what he said in a brief one-page statement that night is all garda and subsequently the courts had to go on. The only other person in the room that night aside from Fr Molloy was Th r se Flynn and she said she couldn't remember what happened.

Howeve
LINK: https://about.rte.ie/2022/10/11/rte-investigates-reveals-new-evidence-...
See more stories from rte

More from RTE

01/07/2025

Teresa Smith Announced as Commissioning Editor for Factual Entertainment

RT has announced that Teresa Smith has been appointed Commissioning Editor with responsibility for Factual Entertainment following a public competition. This s...

01/07/2025

RT is Supporting 26 Arts and Cultural Events across Ireland this July

This July, RT is delighted to support Galway International Arts Festival, Earagail Arts Festival in Donegal, Belfast TradFest and 23 other arts and cultural ev...

30/06/2025

Yellowstone origin story 1923 starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren comes to RT One and RT Player

All 8 episodes of Season 1 of 1923 will be available on RT Player from Tuesday ...

26/06/2025

RT'S FINDING SAMANTHA TRUE-CRIME PODCAST SERIES OPTIONED AS A TV EXCLUSIVE

Keeper Pictures, the Dublin-based scripted production company whose credits include The Gone and Striking Out, has optioned the exclusive TV adaptation rights t...

26/06/2025

RT presents new documentary on the origin stories of three abandoned babies in 1960s Ireland

This July, RT presents The Phone Box Babies, a documentary revealing new insigh...

25/06/2025

Upfront with Katie Hannon

RT has confirmed its Monday night television series, Upfront with Katie Hannon has come to an end and will not be returning in September following three season...

24/06/2025

RT launches over 90 days of national and international Sport

Women's Euros, Women's Rugby World Cup, European Hockey Championships, GAA Championships, World Athletics Championships, Irish Open, Horse Racing and mu...

24/06/2025

RT's Summer Slate of Documentaries Showcases Unique Irish Stories and Explores Irish Life

RT has today announced details of its summer line-up of home-grown documentarie...

19/06/2025

Award winning comedy The Dry begins filming its final instalment for RT and ITVX

RT and ITV have today announced that filming is underway in Dublin on the third and final series of Element Pictures' award-winning 8 30' comedy drama ...

18/06/2025

RT AND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IRELAND ANNOUNCE RT TOY SHOW APPEAL GRANT AWARDS 2025

To date the Toy Show Appeal has raised over 26 million since its inception in 2...

16/06/2025

Run With Ray in Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Drogheda and Dublin as The Ray D'Arcy Show hits the road

Run with Ray is back! RT Radio 1's The Ray D'Arcy Show hits the road th...

13/06/2025

RT Seeks Expressions of Interest for on-air presenting roles on RT Radio 1 and RT News & Current Affairs Output

In fulfilment of a recommendation by the Government's Expert Advisory Commit...

11/06/2025

Mercedes-Benz Ireland announced as the Car Partner of The Traitors Ireland

RT Commercial has today announced Mercedes-Benz Ireland as the car partner of The Traitors Ireland, coming to RT One and RT Player in the Autumn. Mercedes-B...

10/06/2025

Family of Resident featured in RT Investigates Nursing Home Documentary Speak Publicly for the First Time

Family described their shock and distress at seeing footage of their father bein...

06/06/2025

New RT series An Ghig Mhr pairs Irish musicians with up-and-coming talent

Monday 9 June, 8pm on RT One and RT Player Hip hop duo Tebi Rex, K la's R n n Snodaigh, John Spillane and Eve Belle among mentors Promo: An Ghig Mh ...

05/06/2025

New Drama Tall Tales & Murder commissioned for two series by RT and BBC

Stuart Carolan and Chris Addison team up on darkly comedic drama starring Ella Lily Hyland, Aidan Gillen, Phillipa Dunne and Packy Lee From top left to right: ...

04/06/2025

RT Investigates reveals unsafe care and undignified treatment inside Ireland's Nursing Homes

Experts condemn leading private nursing home care provided referring to instance...

04/06/2025

RT Investigates undercover documentary reveals unsafe care and undignified treatment inside Ireland's Nursing Homes

Experts condemn leading private nursing home care provided referring to instance...

03/06/2025

RT is Supporting 20 Arts and Cultural Events this June

This June, RT is delighted to support 20 arts and cultural events all over Ireland spanning art, theatre, film, writing and literature, multiple genres of musi...

03/06/2025

RT announces the appointment of David Crean as Head of Drama

RT is pleased to announce the appointment of David Crean as Head of Drama, following an external competition. After an earlier career as a director and a prod...

02/06/2025

RT Commercial has announced laya healthcare as the new sponsor of 2FM Breakfast with Carl, Roz & Aisling

RT Commercial has announced laya healthcare, as the new sponsor of 2FM Breakfas...

31/05/2025

RT confirms investigation on Ireland's Nursing Homes to air this week

RT Investigates: Inside Ireland's Nursing Homes | RT YouTube RT will broadcast an RT Investigates documentary with undercover footage relating to sta...

30/05/2025

Stolen Sister A new podcast series from RT Documentary on One

Stolen Sister | RT Radio Player YouTube Sisters of Elizabeth Plunkett, who was murdered by Ireland's first serial killers, speak for this first time i...

29/05/2025

Dragon Hearts - RT documentary follows cancer survivors united through dragon boat racing

Dragon Hearts- RT documentary follows cancer survivors united through the power...

29/05/2025

2FM Go Live at Major Music Festivals Across Summer 2025

2FM is hitting the road this summer, broadcasting live from Ireland's biggest music festivals, starting with Forbidden Fruit this June Bank Holiday weekend....

29/05/2025

Aistear an Amhrin RT series reveals fascinating stories behind Ireland's most popular songs

Aistear an Amhr in RT series reveals fascinating stories behind Ireland's ...

28/05/2025

RTjr unveils exciting summer line-up of homegrown content, backing world-class, award-winning Irish animation

This summer, RT , in collaboration with Ireland's vibrant independent produc...

28/05/2025

Super Garden 2025 Winner Revealed

Debbie Brophy has been crowned the winner of Super Garden 2025. The garden design challenge, now in its 16th series, has once again showcased the extraordinary ...

27/05/2025

RT appoints new Head of Podcasting

RT is pleased to announce the appointment of Hugh Ormond to the new role, Head of Podcasting, following an internal competition. In this pivotal role to the ...

27/05/2025

RT Opening Statement: Joint Oireachtas Committee

RT will meet with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport on Wednesday 28th May, 2025. The Committee identified a nu...

23/05/2025

RT Update: RT VEP 2025

In an email to RT staff this evening, RT Director General stated as follows: Dear colleagues, RT 's VEP 2025 is now closed. I can confirm that we receiv...

23/05/2025

RT Radio 1 presents The Prompt A new eight-part series showcasing fresh Irish writing, curated by Ireland's leading literary voices

Featuring guest writers Edel Coffey, Mike McCormack, Sin ad Moriarty, Dave Rudde...

22/05/2025

RT to Commission All Christian Worship Content from the Independent Sector

In line with the published New Direction strategy, RT has launched a commissioning process that will see all Christian Worship content on RT 's video platf...

22/05/2025

Tonight on RT Prime Time, the reality behind online negative masculinity

Prime Time speaks to Charleen Murphy, an influencer whose online harassment turned into a real-world attack Tonight, Prime Time hosts a special programme focus...

22/05/2025

RT Today show and Mercier Press announce the winner of new novelist competition

RT 's Today show, in conjunction with Ireland's oldest publishing house Mercier Press, have announced Ireland's newest published author. Rebecca M...

21/05/2025

RT appoints Eleanor O'Shaughnessy as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

RT is pleased to announce the appointment of Eleanor O'Shaughnessy as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CRCO), following a public competition. Eleanor bri...

19/05/2025

RT publishes Register of External Activities for Q4 2024 (statistical summary)

RT is today publishing a statistical summary from the Register of External Activities for the fourth quarter of 2024. The RT Register of External Activities ...

18/05/2025

RT ALL-IRELAND DRAMA FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED DURING GALA AWARDS STREAMED LIVE ON RTE.IE/CULTURE

Ballyduff Drama Group from Co. Waterford Scoops Top Award in 2025 RT All-Irelan...

16/05/2025

RT Live at Bord Bia Bloom 2025: Live shows, live music and chat, live RT Weather, and much more

Live RT Radio 1 shows with Louise Duffy, Countrywide and Mooney Goes Wild RT ...

15/05/2025

FAI and RT announce biggest ever broadcast agreement for Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup delivering 13 games over two years

The Football Association of Ireland and RT have today announced a new two-year ...

12/05/2025

Bernard Dunne explores the real stories behind sporting success in brand new RT Radio 1 series Dunne Talking

What is success? How is it achieved? And what does it really cost? These are the...

09/05/2025

RT Statement: Eurovision Song Contest 2025

Further to the comments from RT Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst on Wednesday 7th May included below in which he asked the EBU for a discussion on Israel&#...

09/05/2025

Tom Brady, Nadine Coyle, Joe Duffy and EMMY among guests on this week's Late Late Show season finale

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! In the season finale of The Late Late Show, ...

09/05/2025

My Eurovision Party 2025 - join in on the fun with RT Kids and Marty Whelan avatar!

My Eurovision Party 2025 - join in on the fun with RT Kids! Eurovision launche...

08/05/2025

Joe Duffy hangs up his mic on Liveline as he confirms Retirement from RT after 37 Years

The Liveline is now open , said Joe Duffy earlier today, as he previewed this af...

08/05/2025

RT reveals first look at comedy drama The Walsh Sisters, based on novels of Marian Keyes

RT , in association with the BBC, Screen Ireland and Cineflix Rights has reveale...

07/05/2025

RT Announces Fergal O'Brien as new Business Correspondent

RT News is pleased to announce the appointment of RT journalist, Fergal O'Brien, as its new Business Correspondent. In his new role, Fergal will be repor...

06/05/2025

KLA to perform live on RT Radio 1's Arena with exclusive preview of new album, Raise the Road

Live from Studio 1 at 7pm, Tuesday May 6 Iconic trad-fusion group K LA will be ...

06/05/2025

Tracks & Trails returns for a fresh new season

First episode airs this Friday at 8pm on RT One and RT Player with Doireann N Ghlac in presenting Guests include Barry Murphy, Brooke Scullion, Bryan Dobso...