Niall Rafferty

In-universe information
In-universe information
Other names	Matthew Brownlow ; Matthew McQueen (birth name)
Occupation	Hairdresser (2007–2008)
Family	McQueen
Father	Martin Brownlow
Mother	Myra McQueen
Adoptive father	Mr. Rafferty
Adoptive mother	Jean Snow
Half-brothers	John Paul McQueen
Half-sisters	Jacqui McQueen; Mercedes McQueen; Tina Reilly; Carmel McQueen; Michaela McQueen; Carmina McQueen
Grandmothers	Marlena McQueen
Nephews	Max McQueen

Niall Rafferty
Niall Rafferty
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed by	Barry Sloane ; Devon Jackson ; (flashback)
Duration	2007–2008
First appearance	3 December 2007
Last appearance	27 November 2008
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Bryan Kirkwood
Spin-off; appearances	Hollyoaks Later (2008)
Other names	Matthew Brownlow ; Matthew McQueen (birth name)
In-universe information
Other names	Matthew Brownlow ; Matthew McQueen (birth name)
Occupation	Hairdresser (2007–2008)
Family	McQueen
Father	Martin Brownlow
Mother	Myra McQueen
Adoptive father	Mr. Rafferty
Adoptive mother	Jean Snow
Half-brothers	John Paul McQueen
Half-sisters	Jacqui McQueen; Mercedes McQueen; Tina Reilly; Carmel McQueen; Michaela McQueen; Carmina McQueen
Grandmothers	Marlena McQueen
Nephews	Max McQueen

Niall Rafferty (born Matthew McQueen) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Barry Sloane. He first appeared during an episode broadcast on 3 December 2007. Former Brookside actor Sloane was cast as the "mysterious" hairdresser Niall and was introduced by the series' producer Bryan Kirkwood. During Sloane's portrayal of Niall on-screen, he was central to a storyline involving the already-established McQueen family and it was revealed Niall was the illegitimate son of Myra McQueen (Nicole Barber-Lane). The storyline featured Niall seek revenge on the McQueens, which concluded in highly advertised episodes featuring Niall kidnapping his siblings and causing the death of his half-sister Tina Reilly (Leah Hackett). Niall was portrayed by upcoming actor Devon Jackson, the older brother of Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson, in flashback scenes depicting Niall's childhood.

Niall's other storylines included his relationship with Steph Cunningham (Carley Stenson). Sloane made his final appearance as Niall during Hollyoaks late-night special series Hollyoaks Later in November 2008. Sloane has been nominated for several awards for his portrayal of the character.