On a bright summer’s day on a quiet lake in the Irish Midlands, a small boat is found drifting into shore. It contains the body of a 16 year old girl; Lizzie Lacey, clad in a white dress and bedecked with garlands of flowers. There are no obvious marks on her body. Police launch a murder investigation and question a number of suspects, but no one is ever charged and the case remains unsolved.
Twenty years later, a radio documentary maker sets out to revisit the story of Lizzie’s life and mysterious death with the aid of her older sister, Caroline. Kevin Brown interviews a number of key figures in the case, including the chief investigating officer and the chief suspect. What he finds is a story that is both haunting and disturbing, a mystery that raises questions about morality and the nature of memory at a particular moment in Irish history.
Increasingly troubled by his discoveries, Brown finds himself dangerously drawn, both to the mystery of Lizzie and to her living sister, an attraction that may lead to his own destruction.
Haunting, thrilling and innovative, ‘Fairies Only Wear Wings’ is a drama that will live long in the memory of everyone who hears it.
Listener discretion advised - strong themes and language.
This programme is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
Directed by Jason Gill
Produced By Alan Meaney
Sound recording, design and editing by Alan Meaney
Production assistant Amanda Gunning
Music composed and performed by Eamonn Bailey with vocals by Amanda Gunning
Kevin played by John McGlynn
Caroline played by Martina Dolan
Aisling played by Annette Dowling
Ray played by Cathal McCormack
Mrs. Smith played by Anne Hoey
Inspector O’Neill played by Clive Darling
Ken Farley played by Jason Gill
Mike Stark played by James Paradise
Design by Hopscotch Multimedia