Local author launches book on Gda Adrian Donohoe murder
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‘Murder at Lordship’ authors Robin Schiller and Pat Marry alongside Fionnan Sheahan at the books launch in Eason in Mullingar on Friday, May 3.Image 2 of 5
Patricia Crosbie and Christine McCabe.Image 3 of 5
Emer Morris, Fiona Kelly-Courtney and Cheryl Marry (daughter of the author) at the book launch.Image 4 of 5
Deputy Robert Troy and Ruth Illingworth at the book launch.Image 5 of 5
Phillip Cantwell and Martin O’Toole at the launch.A local author has launched a book on the investigation of garda Adrian Donohoe’s murder in 2013, and subsequent court cases.
Pat Marry, who was the detective inspector behind the investigation, is now living in Mullingar and wrote ‘Murder at Lordship’ alongside Irish Independent crime correspondent Robin Schiller.
It was launched by Ireland editor of the Irish Independent, Fionnan Sheahan, at Eason in Mullingar on Friday (May 3) when more than 100 people attended.
Mr Sheahan said Mr Marry was instrumental in getting justice on behalf of his former colleague, Adrian Donohoe.
“At the heart of the investigation was Pat Marry, whose single-handed determination to ensure that justice would be brought about for Adrian Donohoe ensured we did get to that point where a murderer was brought before the courts and is now incarcerated,” he said.
“It is a testimony to the manner in which he conducted his investigation that it came to the conclusion it did.
“He knew it was going to be complicated; he put a highly skilled team in place and it ended up being on the biggest investigations in the history of the state.”
Mr Marry said he was proud of the book. “From my perspective, it gives an insight into the longest murder investigation ever carried out by the state,” he said.
“By God was the investigation complex, protracted and intense at times, but if you have your head set and a formula, it all works out.
“Solving the capital murder of Adrian Donohoe was important for An Garda Síochána, particularly for his colleagues in the Louth division – we got a punch in the gut that night.
“When I went to the station that night, I have never seen so many men and women in tears, crying that Adrian had been killed – it took the wind out of us.”
Mr Marry said he was proud of his role in helping to solve the case, and thanked all the other gardaí who took part in the investigation for their efforts.
Armagh man Aaron Brady was sentenced to life with a minimum of 40 years for the murder of Adrian Donohoe by a jury in 2020.
‘Murder at Lordship’ is on sale now at local bookstores and online.