Lines of Enquiry

At breakfast, on the morning Friday the 26th of October, 2012, a family in Portlaoise County Laois, find that their live-in nanny Aoife Phelan, is missing. She is not in her room, her bed is made, and her phone is going straight to voicemail. She had been out the night before and it seems she never came home. Her family haven’t heard from her either.

As a search party gets underway a young man known to Aoife quietly boards a plane at Dublin Airport bound for New York City. When a detective reaches him in New York, he...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined Darren Cleary for a conversation with Julieanne Lynch, the mother of Kelly Lynch. On St Patrick’s Day in 2024, 23-year-old Kelly was found dead under a bridge in Monaghan. Since then, her family have continued to seek answers about what happened to her.

In the first of two parts, Julieanne helps us get to know Kelly through the memories they shared, their humour, everyday routines, and the close friendship they had as mother and daughter. She speaks about Kelly’s hopes for her future and the...

In November 2024, Hungarian detectives searching for a missing American nurse traced her through CCTV from Budapest’s nightlife district. In the footage they saw Mackenzie Michalski, leaving a club and waling the city streets with a man. The pair entered an apartment building. After that, there was no further trace.

Detectives set about locating the unidentified man - the last person seen with Mackenzie. When they did, they found an Irishman from a wealthy south Dublin family.

Mackenzie had been spending one final night in a city she knew well and lov...

In April 2022, a series of violent attacks plunged Sligo into fear. Within the space of four days, two men were murdered in their homes and a third was left permanently injured after meeting a younger man through a dating app.

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Incident Brief, John Sweetman examines the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee, and the subsequent race to find the attacker before he struck again. 

Presented by John Sweetman
Created by Darren Cleary
Episode Written by Sam Hobson
Produced by Sam Hobson
Senior Producer S...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined by Pat Marry, a retired Detective Inspector with An Garda Síochána and author of several books, including The Making of a Detective.

Drawing on a career spanning more than three decades, Pat reflects on the persistence, attention to detail and empathy required to investigate serious crime.

He revisits the murders of Rachel O’Reilly and Mary Gough, explaining how instinct made him challenge the accounts given by their husbands, Joe O’Reilly and Colin Whelan. Pat describes what he recalls as pionee...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, Nules Ní Chléirigh, creator and host of Ireland Crimes and Mysteries, returns for another conversation with John Sweetman.

This time, they look further back into Ireland’s criminal history, discussing Maamtrasna and the murder at Shandy Hall. They explore wrongful convictions, language barriers at trial and the lack of forensic science during these times, and how these stories live on generations later.

Turning to more recent investigations, John and Nules discuss the challenges of revisiting unsolved murders and disappearances, including Raonaid Murray, Jo Jo Dullard and...

We have reached the end of Season 4 of Lines of Enquiry. While the team are planning, researching, writing and recording Season 5, John is sitting down with a series of guests for Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes.

In this episode, John is joined by Paul Curran, a retired Detective Sergeant with An Garda Síochána.

Paul spent over 27 years working in major crime scene investigation, specialising in Garda photography, aerial and drone photography, and facial identification using EvoFIT.

In this conversation, Paul reflects on the role of photography in serious investigations, from documenting cr...

In the summer of 2024 social workers from Tusla were trying to establish the whereabouts of an eight-year-old boy, named Kyran Durnin. They had concerns about his welfare, and where he might be living.  

In July, a child was brought to meet them, and they were told it was Kyran. A second meeting followed in early August, and again the social workers were told the child was Kyran.

Then, weeks later, Kyran and his mother Dayla were reported missing. 

As Gardaí begin investigating, they obtained family photographs of Kyran and showed them to the offi...

In the aftermath of the 1988 shooting at Sligo Hospital, Gardaí were drawn into a dramatic confrontation that saw a car plunge into the murky waters of Donegal Bay.

As the investigation moved towards trial, the case became about more than the tragic death of Anne and Annie Gillespie. It exposed the limits of the justice system. In court, questions arose over mental health and responsibility, with consequences that would haunt the Gillespie family for decades.

Presented by John Sweetman  
Created by Darren Cleary  
Written by Anna Priestland  
Script Edited by Siobhan Walsh, Sam Hob...

In County Donegal in 1988, 18-year-old Anne Gillespie was looking forward to a future beyond her hometown of Ballybofey. Despite her close friendships and a tight bond with her mother Annie, after Anne sat her leaving cert she had started to dream of a life of her own.

But not everyone in her life was happy when Anne started to grow more independent - and soon she and her mother would find themselves targeted by a man consumed by rage, jealousy and obsession.

Presented by John Sweetman
Created by Darren Cleary
Written by Anna...

In Connemara, on a cold winter’s night in 1998, two sisters, Aine and Siobhán Hynes left their home and headed out to meet friends, driving to the disco in the nearby coastal village of Carraroe. The next morning, Aine was woken up by her mother asking where was Siobhán? The 17-year-old never made it home.

In this episode, John explores the harsh and isolated landscape of Connemara, and how fear spread across the tightknit community after the tragic and cruel events of December 6th 1998.

Presented by John Sweetman

Crea...

John Sweetman invites you to join him for a special milestone: the first ever Lines of Inquiry live podcast, happening December 2nd at the O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin.

Across one evening, we’ll revisit the stories Ireland can’t forget—tracking the crucial clues that helped piece investigations together, and the small details revealed in court that brought justice into focus.

John will also be joined on stage by special guests, offering expert testimony and firsthand insight from working on some of Ireland’s most notorious crimes.

Tickets on sale now: https://takeyourse...

As Declan Flynn made his way home in the early hours of September 10th 1982, he did not know what danger lurked in nearby Fairview park on the north side of Dublin City. In the dark shadows, was a gang with a mission. That night, kind and innocent Declan became their unknowing target.

In this episode, John explores the tragic case of Declan Flynn, a vulnerable man trying to live his life in a country where simply being yourself was considered a crime.

Lives of Enquiry is going on stage for our fi...

80 year old, Nancy Nolan didn’t answer her daughter’s calls on the 16th of February, 2000. Her neighbour noticed that her car hadn’t moved in a few days. They were worried about her and sent Gardaí out to check in.  The Gardaí found Nancy Nolan lying in a pool of blood in her hallway. It was clear this was not an accident.

For locals in the small village of Ballygar, Co. Roscommon, Nancy’s death dredged up memories of another murder nearly 20 years earlier that still haunted the village.  In this week’s Lines of Enquiry, Joh...

On 16th of April 1984, a man jogging on a beach in West Kerry found the body of a newborn baby. The child had been stabbed to death. Nobody knew who his parents were, where he had come from, how he handed up on that beach – and nobody knew his name.

 The discovery on the beach would lead to multiple garda investigations and would see a small family from rural County Kerry thrown into the national spotlight. It would become a case centred around staggering claims made against one young woman, and allegations of intimidation and coercion against the...

Irene White woke up as normal on the 6th of April, 2005. She brought her three kids to school, chatted to the other parents, and returned home where she began washing up dishes. Irene’s mother Maureen lived in a mobile home in the garden and had a routine of calling in to her daughter for a chat and a cup of tea.

On this day, she found her daughter on the floor of her kitchen, surrounded by blood. Her eyes were open and she still had her washing up gloves on.

 In this episode of Lin...

Brian Kearney arrived to work shortly before 8am on his 49th birthday – February 28th, 2006. Before he left home that morning he poured his 3 year old son Dan a bowl of Coco Pops. Later that morning, Dan’s aunt Niamh arrived at the home. She found the young child alone, crying. His mammy, Siobhan McLaughlin, had never come downstairs that morning.

After an early suspicion of suicide, one piece of evidence was essential in upgrading the case to a murder investigation - A purple vacuum flex found at the scene. In this episode of Lines of Enquiry, John Swee...

When Gardaí are called out following a burglary at the offices of a family run business in Ennis, Co. Clare, they aren't overly concerned. Two computers and some small items have been stolen. But when a hitman shows up at the home of the two young brothers who run the business gardaí realise there is much more to the case.

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry, John Sweetman, brings us a case so strange that, at first, even gardaí couldn’t believe it was real.

We bring you through the web of online connections that...

In April 2015, 24-year-old Cork woman Karen Buckley went for a night out with friends in Glasgow, where she was studying to become a nurse.

When Karen did not return home or answer her friends’ calls, police began searching for her. Their investigation soon focussed on a man seen speaking with Karen outside a nightclub, moments after she was last seen by her friends.

Over the next few days detectives would conduct an intense, detailed investigation to trace Karen’s movements and identify the man she spoke with. Through the analysis of hundreds of hours of CCTV...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined by Darren Cleary, creator of Lines of Enquiry and Head of Digital Audio at Bauer Media Audio Ireland.

Together, they look back on the previous season, reflecting on cases including Elaine O’Hara, Patricia O’Connor, Barbara Walsh, Ciara Breen and Philip Cairns. They also discuss the importance of revisiting unresolved cases, and the work that goes into making the podcast.

John and Darren also look ahead to the next season, including revealing the first episode of season 3, along with announcing a new long...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined by Darren Cleary, creator of Lines of Enquiry and Head of Digital Audio at Bauer Media Audio Ireland.

Darren gives an update on the case of Kelly Lynch following the completion of a Garda peer review into the original investigation. He discusses what Kelly’s family say they were told, the recommendations now being worked through and the file being prepared for the coroner.

John and Darren also discuss the differing medical opinions around Kelly’s death, before moving into a wider conversation abou...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined by Ray Kane, his former colleague in the Garda Technical Bureau and Fingerprint Department.

Ray spent more than 30 years in policing, much of it in the Garda Technical Bureau. Together, Ray and John reflect on their experience in the Fingerprint Department, the unpredictable nature of crime scene work, and the responsibility of preserving and interpreting evidence in serious investigations to give victims of crime a voice.

Ray also speaks about the emotional impact of working around death and serious crime, and how one...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined by Martin Egan, retired Detective Sergeant with An Garda Síochána.

Martin spent 30 years in the force and was also trained as a Garda crisis negotiator. He reflects on the communication, patience and judgement required in critical incidents, where the aim is to bring people to safety while working as part of a wider Garda response.

Martin also speaks about the case involving Jasmine McMonagle in Co. Donegal in 2019, where he was part of the response team that arrived at the house an...

As season 3 comes to an end, host of Lines of Enquiry, John Sweetman reveals what to expect over the next few weeks from Case Notes.

He shares the date for the return of the narrative episodes, with many new stories already being worked on by the Lines of Enquiry team.

John also notes some recent feedback from listeners. If you would like to get in touch, follow the Instagram page @linesofenquirypodcast or email us [email protected]

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John continues his conversation with Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent and award-winning journalist and broadcaster.

Frank explains the work that goes into complex criminal investigations, the role of An Garda Síochána, and the way evidence is presented and tested in court. He also reflects on public reactions to sentencing and why court outcomes can sometimes shock people.

The episode also brings us inside Frank’s day-to-day work as a courts correspondent, from following trials and filing reports to explaining complex proceedings clearly and responsibly. Throughout, he r...

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined by Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent and award-winning journalist and broadcaster.

Frank has spent much of his career reporting from courtrooms on some of the most high-profile criminal trials in Ireland, including several we have covered on Lines of Enquiry.

He reflects on the responsibility that comes with reporting on live cases, the legal restrictions that shape what can and cannot be said publicly, and the importance of accuracy, fairness and restraint when covering criminal trials.

Frank discusses the pressure of reporting...

Hi! John here. I just wanted to drop in with a recommendation.

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In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Case Notes, John is joined by Geoff Knupfer, former lead investigator with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains.

 For almost two decades, Geoff led searches for some of the Disappeared, those abducted, murdered and secretly buried during the Troubles, helping to return loved ones to families who had spent years waiting for answers.

 Geoff reflects on the unique challenge of turning the commission from a reactive process into a proactive investigative operation, and the importance of approaching the work as a humanitarian mission rather than a cr...

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In the early hours of Thursday, the 13th of February, 1997, 17-year-old Ciara Breen disappeared from her home on Bachelor’s Walk in Dundalk. Her bed was empty. The front window had been left open. There was no packed bag, no money missing, and nothing to suggest she had planned to stay away.

At first, it looked like Ciara had slipped out quietly into the night, leaving herself a way back in. But what began as a missing person investigation would become something far more complex. Over the years that followed, Gardaí would follow rumours, witness acco...

When Gerry McGinley was arrested for minor drug possession charges on the 6th of June 2000, he insisted upon his innocence. He said the drugs had been planted on him, and he was convinced someone was trying to get rid of him.  By that time, McGinley had already received threatening phone calls at his home along with warnings from the IRA that he should leave town. He was a man with a lot of enemies. Then, just two months later, he went missing.

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry, John Sweetman takes us through the extensive police in...

In December 2008, a man calls 999 for assistance.

His name was Eamonn Lillis, and his wife Celine Cawley had been attacked by an intruder at their Howth home in Dublin. Celine was rushed to hospital, and an alert went out to find the man who had attacked the business mogul.

Gathering evidence, gardaí started to piece together what had happened at her home that cold December day, leaning on CCTV footage, around 100 witness statements, and one explosive anonymous phone call. Their findings very soon exposed a carefully concocted effort by her 'attacker' to mask the truth o...

On the 24th of March in 2017, Richard Satchwell walked into a Cork Garda station to report that his wife, Tina, was missing. He told gardaí their relationship had deteriorated, and Tina had been gone for four days having taken €26,000 euros in cash from their savings. It seemed that Tina had made a concerted effort to disappear.

For six years, Richard and Tina’s family pleaded for the Fermoy native to come home. Why, they wondered, would a loving wife and sister simply leave her home in Youghal, and the animals she adored, and never return.

An ex...

In June 2017, a family out for a picnic discovered a human torso discarded in a ditch in the Wicklow mountains. Gardaí and army personnel came together to comb the area for any clues. The search recovered fifteen more body parts dumped in nine different locations across a 30km range.

Initially, it was believed the body was that of a young man, after the recovered bones were measured. But this theory was about to turn on its head when one month later, a man walked into a garda station in Rathfarnham, in south Dublin, with a confession. He k...

Elaine O’Hara disappeared from her Dublin home in 2012, at the age of 36.  She left behind no trace. Her family struggled to understand what had happened to their bright and friendly sister and daughter.

One year later, a woman walking in the woods of Dublin discovered Elaine’s remains. As Gardai began to piece together her final moments and days they saw traces of a dark and sinister side to Elaine’s disappearance and death.

The mission to find out what happened to Elaine became a complex and brutal garda investigation. A meticulous investigation would lead th...

On the 19th of March 1996, gardaí were called to a pub in Co Wicklow after its panic button was activated in the small hours of the morning. Catherine Nevin, who owned the pub with her husband Tom, was found slumped in a hall with her hands tied and a gag around her neck.

What initially looked to be a botched burglary at a time when Wicklow businesses were being targeted by Dublin gangs, soon grew into a massive garda investigation with more than 170 witness statements as they delved deep into Catherine's past.

In this episode of...

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When Bryan Kennedy became convinced his wife’s online friendship with a Canadian couple were a threat to his marriage, he turned to a man he believed could arrange murder.

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry: Incident Brief, John Sweetman examines a disturbing murder for hire plot that began in Harold’s Cross and targeting two unsuspecting women in Canada. Kennedy feared that his wife was having an online affair with the Lesbian couple, she formed a relationship with over long sessions of online gaming, playing Dungeons and Dragons,  

It’s a story of murder...

On the 17th of September 2019, Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, a company formerly owned by bankrupt billionaire Sean Quinn, disappeared near his home in Fermanagh. The 50-year-old father-of-six was taken across the Irish border to Cavan and what happened next would shock the nation and expose years of threats and intimidation against QIH directors and their families. In this episode, John Sweetman takes us back to that dark day in September and how the first all-Ireland cross border investigation began between the gardaí and the PSNI to track down those responsible for the kidnapping, and the s...

On the 4th of October 2004, Rachel O'Reilly, a 30-year-old mother-of two was found dead in her north county Dublin home. She had been murdered. Her mother, Rose Callaly, found Rachel's lifeless body in a pool of blood. It all pointed to a botched burglary and gardai began a hunt for her hiller. What followed was a rigorous investigation on matters closer to Rachel's home.

In this episode John Sweetman takes listeners through a complex garda investigation that involved dogged policework, technical wizardry, and even the Late Late Show.

Presented by John Sweetman

Created b...