Jennifer O’Leary
Jennifer O’Leary is a journalist known for her investigative work with the BBC, particularly in relation to sensitive political issues in Northern Ireland. She has recently been in the news due to her testimony in a civil trial involving former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, where she discussed the potential danger faced by her anonymous sources who alleged that Adams sanctioned the murder of MI5 agent Denis Donaldson in 2006.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Her book documented Ryan's meetings with Gaddafi.
Republican priest Fr Patrick Ryan dies aged 95 – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-06-15
Jennifer O’Leary is a BBC Spotlight reporter who commented on the case.
If Gerry Adams wanted to put manners on the BBC, why not do it in Belfast? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-04
Jennifer O’Leary stated she had nothing to hide in relation to the defamation case.
BBC faces legal costs bill of more than €3m after jury finds it defamed Gerry Adams – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-31
Jennifer O’Leary was the BBC journalist behind the Spotlight programme that included the allegation about Gerry Adams.
Gerry Adams’s witness box quips were often met with laughter, including from the jury – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-30
BBC reporter Jennifer O'Leary thanked the legal team involved in defending the BBC's journalism.
Ex-Sinn Féin leader awarded £100k in BBC libel case
United Kingdom· 2025-05-30
Jennifer O’Leary, a BBC Spotlight reporter, stated she had nothing to hide, only sources to protect.
Gerry Adams awarded €100,000 after jury finds he was defamed by BBC broadcast and article – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-30Other witnesses included Jennifer O’Leary, the BBC reporter who made the documentary.
Gerry Adams wins defamation action against BBC over murdered spy claim | Gerry AdamsUnited Kingdom· 2025-05-30Jennifer O’Leary provided evidence corroborating the allegations against Gerry Adams in the defamation case.
Defamation case cynical attempt by Gerry Adams to ‘launder’ his reputation, BBC barrister tells trial – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-22Jennifer O’Leary testified that she exercised utmost care in reporting the allegations against Gerry Adams.
Journalist exercised ‘utmost care’ in reporting on allegation, trial hears – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-14
Jennifer O’Leary is the journalist who provided evidence in the civil trial regarding the allegations against Gerry Adams.
BBC Spotlight source would likely be killed if identified, journalist says – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-13