The Murder of Mr Moonlight: New BBC One series dramatises tragic real life disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan in Ireland
Brendan Coyle, Sinéad Keenan and Owen McDonnell star in the new Irish factual drama
The Murder of Mr Moonlight is an upcoming BBC One drama, based on the shocking true crime which became the longest murder trial in Irish history and came under intense media scrutiny.
The new Irish factual drama, acquired by the BBC, stars Downton Abbey favourite Brendan Coyle as murder victim Bobby Ryan. Unforgotten’s Sinéad Keenan and Killing Eve’s Owen McDonnell join him in the cast.
The disappearance and subsequent death of Bobby Ryan is known for being one of the most compelling true crime stories in modern Irish history. Here’s a breakdown of what happened to local DJ and entertainer Bobby, and what we know about the BBC One drama.
Is the The Murder of Mr Moonlight on BBC One a true story?
The upcoming crime drama The Murder of Mr Moonlight is based on a tragic true story. It rattled the whole of Ireland in 2011 and beyond.
The series brings to screen one of the most “compelling” and talked-about stories in modern Irish history. It explores the disappearance of Bobby Ryan in 2011, and subsequent events that ultimately led to one of Ireland’s longest-ever murder trials.
After Bobby Ryan vanished for nearly two years, investigators discovered his body on a farm in County Tipperary in April 2013. Following an extensive investigation, a jury convicted Patrick Quirke of Ryan’s murder in 2019. The court subsequently sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Patrick’s motive? Jealously, pure and simple. The murderer was not happy that his ex-loved Mary Lowry had moved on with likeable DJ Bobby Ryan…
The BBC tells us: “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.”
Who’s in the cast?
Corby-born Brendan Coyle stars as Bobby Ryan, affectionately known as Mr Moonlight. Bobby earned the nickname through his work as a local DJ and entertainer, regularly performing under the stage name at pubs, clubs and social venues. Of course, Downton Abbey fans will know Brendan as valet Mr Bates in the period drama. He’s also famous for his roles in Toxic Town, Lark Rise to Candleford, and Thief Takers.
Sinéad Keenan, star of Unforgotten, and Little Boy Blue, plays Bobby’s girlfriend Mary Lowry. Meanwhile, Bad Sisters’ Owen McDonnell stars as killer Patrick Quirke.
They are joined by Say Nothing’s Hazel Doupe as Bobby’s daughter Michelle Ryan, and The Gone’s Carolyn Bracken as Pat’s wife, Imelda Quirke.
Additional cast includes:
- The Long Shadow’s Ian Lloyd Anderson.
- The Young Offenders’ Danny Power.
- Moonhaven’s Helena Browne.
- Foundation’s Muiris Crowley.
- Bad Sisters’ Aidan O’Hare.
- Alex Riders’ Emmet Byrne.
- Frank of Ireland’s Pom Boyd.
Is it based on a book?
The series is based on Catherine Fegan’s book The Murder of Mr Moonlight. It also uses extensive research and interviews. We’re told the series “moves beyond the headlines to explore the human story behind one of the most remarkable criminal investigations in modern Irish history”.
The book, published in 2020, catalogues Bobby Ryan’s disappearance in rural Tipperary in June 2011. The crime mystified all who knew him. The truck-driver and part-time DJ (known as Mr Moonlight) was an easy-going fellow with no enemies. Or so everyone thought…
A synopsis for the book reads: “When Ryan’s body was found 22 months later on the farm of Mary Lowry, the wealthy young widow he had been seeing, it was clear that he had met a violent end. And the most likely person to have brought about that end? Pat Quirke, the man who had ‘discovered’ the body – Mary Lowry’s brother-in-law, financial advisor, tenant and one-time lover.”
Following the longest running murder trial in Irish criminal history, a jury convicted Patrick Quirke of murder in May 2019. Irish journalist Catherine Fegan covered every day of the trial, and subsequently write the book.
How many episodes is it?
The Murder of Mr Moonlight will be five episode of 60 minutes each.
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Scripted Pre-Buy Acquisitions, said: “This case has gripped Ireland for many years, but remains relatively unknown in the UK. I cannot think of a better team to bring this extraordinary and heartbreaking story to a wider audience.”
‘Bobby Ryan’s life was tragically cut short’
Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, executive producers, Conker Pictures, told us: “The Murder of Mr Moonlight is one of the most significant crime stories in recent Irish history. 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. 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.”
Kate McColgan, Head of Television, Screen Ireland added: “The Murder of Mr. Moonlight approaches deeply complex real-life events with huge care and sensitivity, all led by an incredibly strong Irish cast.”
When’s the start date?
The Murder of Mr Moonlight will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later in 2026.
Further details will be announced in due course.
