The Garda Commissioner has requested that the Serious Crime Review Team look at the investigation into the death of Liam Farrell, according to a letter seen by RTÉ News.

The Co Leitrim farmer was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his home over five years ago.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly wrote to the Farrell family yesterday to let them know about the cold case review.

In the letter, he told the family that “the Detective Chief Superintendent with responsibility for the Serious Crime Review Team will consider the concerns you have raised and will make contact with you in the coming weeks to advise you of the plan for the review”.

Mr Farrell, who was 87 and who lived alone in Rooskey, was found by his daughter slumped at the back door of his home on Sunday 13 January 2020.

He was covered in blood, his shoes and socks were removed and his watch was broken. Mr Farrell also had bruising to his left eye and feet.

Watch: Prime Time’s Fran McNulty details concerns about the death of Liam Farrell

Gardaí sealed off the scene and forensic investigators gathered evidence. A file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, but no prosecution was directed.

A post-mortem examination concluded that Mr Farrell died from a heart attack.

An inquest returned an open verdict last September.

Professor Paul Hartel, who conducted the post-mortem, told the inquest that he was not informed of a potential crime scene.

He added that, had he known this, he would have refused to carry out the examination and insisted that a forensic pathologist be drafted in to conduct more detailed evidence gathering.

Mr Farrell’s son, Brendan, said the family welcomed the decision from the Garda Commissioner.

He said they see this as a positive step as they approach the sixth anniversary of his death.

The family met Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan earlier this month.

Brendan Farrell described as “very productive” the lengthy talks at the Department of Justice.

He said that Mr O’Callaghan told the family that he would meet Garda Commissioner to discuss the case.