Details of 'The Murder of Mr Moonlight' drama series revealed

Navan was location for RTE-BBC co-production

As revealed in the Meath Chroniclee a month ago after filming took place in Navan, RTÉ has commissioned a new drama, 'The Murder of Mr Moonlight' in association with the BBC, Screen Ireland and Banijay Rights.

Adapted for television by award-winning screenwriter Malcolm Campbell ('What Richard Did', '500 Miles'), the new drama is produced by Conker Pictures, part of Banijay UK, and Samson Films. The BBC has acquired the series for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

The series brings to screen one of the most compelling and talked-about cases in modern Irish history, exploring the disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan, known locally as "Mr Moonlight", and the events that would ultimately lead to one of Ireland's longest-ever murder trials.

Locations around the town used in the shoot included The Lantern Pub of Watergate Street, the former Foundry Pub on Ludlow Street, St Mary's Church grounds, the Newgrange Hotel, and adjacent public streets, as well as Navan Railway Station and the former county council offices on Railway Street. Filming took place in July, as well as last week.

Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey, Toxic Town, Hit Point) stars as Bobby Ryan alongside Sinéad Keenan (Unforgotten, Little Boy Blue) as Mary Lowry and Owen McDonnell (Killing Eve, Bad Sisters, Single-Handed) as Patrick Quirke.

They are joined by Hazel Doupe (Say Nothing, Kathleen Is Here, Smother) as Bobby’s daughter, Michelle Ryan, Carolyn Bracken (Oddity, The Gone) as Pat's wife, Imelda Quirke and Ian Lloyd Anderson (The Long Shadow, Blood, Love/Hate).

Additional cast includes Danny Power (The Young Offenders), Helena Browne (Leonard and Hungry Paul), Muiris Crowley (Foundation), Aidan O'Hare (Bad Sisters), Emmet Byrne (Alex Rider, Striking Out) and Pom Boyd (The Dry, Frank of Ireland).

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.

The series is based on Catherine Fegan’s book The Murder of Mr Moonlight alongside extensive research and interviews. It moves beyond the headlines to explore the human story behind one of the most remarkable criminal investigations in modern Irish history. The series marks the first chapter in a potential strand of dramas exploring extraordinary true stories from modern Ireland.

Malcolm Campbell says: "I was drawn to this story because of the people caught up in it, the human factor, the cost of it all. At its heart are real people whose lives were profoundly affected by these events. Our responsibility has been to approach the process with care, sensitivity and rigorous research, while exploring the relationships and circumstances that made this case so compelling.”

Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, executive producers, Conker Pictures, jointly said: "The Murder of Mr Moonlight is one of the most significant crime stories in recent Irish history. Our ambition has always been to move beyond the headlines and explore the human story behind the case. 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.

"Through extensive research and engagement with those connected to the events, we have sought to create a drama that is thoughtful, balanced and respectful to everyone portrayed. 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.”

David Collins, executive producer, Samson Films says: “The case surrounding the real-life murder of Bobby Ryan gripped the nation due to its shocking courtroom revelations and intense media scrutiny. "The Murder of Mr. Moonlight" does not aim merely to re-enact these events but to interpret them with psychological depth and emotional sensitivity. The series prioritises a respectful tone that, above all, seeks to honour Bobby and all who were affected by these extraordinary events."

David Crean, Head of Drama, RTÉ adds: "Malcolm Campbell has written a compelling story about the tragedy of Bobby Ryan. This moving human story is brought to life with the help of an amazing cast, and directed with real sensitivity by Daithaí Keane and Rachel Carey.”

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Scripted Pre-Buy Acquisitions, says: “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."

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 and creative team. Screen Ireland is proud to back screen storytelling like this - and we hope audiences at home and internationally will find the story as compelling and powerful as we have.”

The Murder of Mr Moonlight (5x60’) is produced by Conker Pictures and Samson Films for RTÉ, in association with the BBC, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Coimisiún na Meán, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution.

The executive producers are Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin for Conker Pictures, David Collins for Samson Films, and Malcolm Campbell. David Crean is executive producer for RTÉ, Kate McColgan and Sarah Dillon are executive producers for Screen Ireland, and Cathy Payne and Simon Cox are executive producers for Banijay Rights.

The series is directed by Dathaí Keane ('Smother') and Rachel Carey ('The Hardacres') and written by Malcolm Campbell, Meadhbh McHugh and Paul Howard, based on Catherine Fegan’s book The Murder of Mr Moonlight. Alex Jones is series producer and Therese Friel is producer.

Transmission details on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player will be announced in due course.

READ: https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2026/08/28/five-part-series-to-be-broadcast-on-rte-and-bbc/