BOBBY’S FAMILY HAS FAITH IN JURY AS QUIRKE APPEALS

BOBBY RYAN’S children are currently pursuing their father’s killer through the civil courts, but they are understood to have had no prior warning that an appeal date on his criminal conviction was being granted.

It was only last week, via various media outlets, that they learned a date has been fixed for October next year.

‘They didn’t know until it was made public,’ said a source close to the family.

‘Despite the surprise of it and the way they found out they have faith in the decision of the jury. They know this is something they have to see out. They are a very strong unit.’

In the midst of all the legal wrangling, the Ryan family marked another year without their father last week. Bobby would have turned 61 on December 11 and his children and grandchildren will next

not forgotten: Bobby ‘Mr

Moonlight’ Ryan was a popular DJ before he was murdered by Pat Quirke. His children are taking a civil case against Quirke week spend another Christmas dulled by his absence.

‘It doesn’t get any easier for them,’ said a family friend.

‘Yes, they got justice for him this year, but it doesn’t bring him back and that’s the only thing that can put this right for them.’

Pat Quirke, meanwhile, has taken on the role of a ‘model prisoner’ in Portlaoise prison.

He was moved there from Limerick earlier

this year and is said to be happier at his present location.

The inmates in Limerick were ‘undesirables and hardened criminals’ he had told family. For a convicted murderer, being in the company of such types just didn’t suit. For those connected with the case, the prospect of an appeal is par for the course. The number of convicted killers who manage to get a retrial on appeal is few and far between. Those [who] have a conviction overturned are even more rare. ‘This is what Quirke is focused on for the minute,’ said a source.

‘He has his appeal and he will know that this is more or less his last shot at freedom. He has been keeping the head down in prison with a view to securing his appeal date.

‘He will be a very different type of prisoner after the appeal is heard.’