RTÉ has commissioned a new drama based on one of the most compelling and talked-about murder cases in Ireland.

The Murder of Mr Moonlight explores the 2011 disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan, known locally as Mr Moonlight, and the events that would ultimately lead to one of Ireland’s longest-running murder trials. The RTÉ drama has also been acquired by the BBC.

Brendan Coyle of Downton Abbey fame stars as Bobby Ryan with Owen McDonnell of Killing Eve and Bad Sisters as Mr Ryan’s killer Patrick Quirke, and Sinéad Keenan of Unforgotten and Little Boy Blue as Mary Lowry.

Bobby Ryan, who was murdered in 2011Bobby Ryan, who was murdered in 2011

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

Set within a close-knit rural community, The Murder of Mr Moonlight explores the relationships, secrets, and tensions behind a case that captivated the whole country for more than a decade. Through the perspectives of those closest to the events, the series examines the 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.

Writer Malcolm Campbell said he was drawn to the story because of the people caught up in it, the human factor, the cost of it all.

Forthcoming RTÉ drama, The Murder Of Mr Moonlight. Forthcoming RTÉ drama, The Murder Of Mr Moonlight.

“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,” Campbell said.

Head of drama at RTÉ, David Crean, commended Campbell’s ability to write a compelling story about the tragedy.

“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,” he said.

The Murder of Mr Moonlight will air next year.