A son of multi-millionaire hotelier Noel O'Callaghan has submitted papers to the High Court, expressing deep regret over telling his father that if he had a gun, he would shoot him during a heated business dispute. The court has reserved its decision on whether the dispute between Mr O'Callaghan and his sons should proceed to arbitration. Paul O'Callaghan claims there has been a significant deterioration in his relationship with his father since August 2024, despite efforts to resolve the matter through mediation. He recounts an incident in September 2025, where, after a long and tense exchange, he made the comment in frustration. He later regretted the remark and reached a memorandum of understanding with his father, which the latter allegedly reneged on. The dispute stems from a 2016 agreement, under which Noel O'Callaghan stepped back from his hospitality business to focus on his bloodstock operations, leaving management to his sons. He claims he was promised an annual salary, credit card expenses covered, and control over Mountarmstrong stud, none of which materialised.
Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator Breiffni O'Neill awarded former Lionbridge EMEA managing director Caroline O'Connell €142,984 after the company conceded unfair dismissal. He rejected Lionbridge's argument that she had failed to mitigate her losses, finding her efforts to find new work reasonable given her seniority and the relatively few openings at that level.
At the High Court, the State successfully applied for a stay on a Carlow District Court order that had annulled compliance notices issued to Slaney Duck Eggs, operated by John Fitzgerald. The matter was adjourned to next month for hearing. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is challenging a December 2025 decision by Judge Catherine Hayden, which overturned two compliance orders blocking the sale of duck eggs due to Salmonella concerns. The Department alleges that serious public health risks were identified following inspections linked to a cluster of rare Salmonella Hesserak cases. Officials sampled three duck houses in July 2024, with five samples testing positive for Salmonella Hesserak and four for Salmonella Typhimurium. Consequently, the Department served notices prohibiting the sale or supply of the eggs. Fitzgerald appealed, arguing that the Department's sampling procedures did not strictly apply to ducks and that positive results could stem from environmental contamination rather than the farm. Judge Hayden allowed the appeal, finding the Department's internal standards were not mandatory for ducks. Today, Conor Doherty SC secured the stay, preserving the compliance notices pending the full hearing next month.
An unnamed Irish father is asking the High Court to direct the Irish State to help locate and safely return his daughter from Poland. He says an extraordinary complaint by Poland's children's ombudsman automatically suspends enforcement of the return decision and has prolonged a separation he says has lasted 750 days.
The High Court refused Nilton de Morais's attempt to obtain more than €10,000 from the State redundancy fund after his employer became insolvent. The judge held that undocumented workers are not employees under Irish law and said the claim would undermine immigration policy.
The Court of Appeal quashed the November 2023 proceedings of a Garda board of inquiry into Keith Harrison and sent the matter back for a lawful determination. It found a grave risk of an unsustainable decision after the board refused access to interview notes central to the evidence.
The High Court set aside an asylum refusal after finding that the International Protection Appeals Tribunal had erred in its assessment of an Angolan man's account of his parents' deaths. Mr Justice Garrett Simons remitted the matter for reconsideration by a differently constituted panel.
The High Court gave the Garda Commissioner three weeks to oppose Detective Garda Eamonn Cunnane's judicial review over an injury-on-duty claim. Cunnane claims a Garda investigation after he loaned an unclaimed bicycle caused illness and reduced pay.
The High Court granted an Irish woman and her daughter permission to challenge a refusal to issue the child an Irish passport. The woman, who is married to the New Zealand woman who gave birth to the child, submits that the refusal to recognise her as a legal parent is unconstitutional; the judicial review was adjourned to May 12.
A High Court judge has emphasised the importance of media access after the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) excluded reporters from a hearing involving Detective Superintendent Brian O'Reilly. Mr Justice Garrett Simons stated that any departure from public hearings must be strictly justified, questioning the WRC's decision to hear O'Reilly's case behind closed doors. O'Reilly, the acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau, is seeking to quash a WRC ruling that accepted Garda submissions regarding the 'sensitivities' of his disclosures. He alleges he suffered workplace detriment and pay reductions after raising concerns about defective leather pistol holsters, which he claims endangered armed gardaí and the public. O'Reilly submitted that these holsters may have contributed to the accidental self-wounding of a Garda at the Israeli ambassador's residence in June 2020. The report notes that six days after that incident, Stephen Silver murdered Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Silver, of Foxford, Co Mayo, was sentenced in April 2023 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for murdering a Garda acting in the course of his duties. O'Reilly stated that Silver told gardaí in custody that he had been able to pull Horkan's pistol from the holster. The Commissioner of An Garda Síochána is named as a notice party in the proceedings.
Det Supt Brian O'Reilly, acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau, is challenging a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision to exclude the media from his hearing. At the High Court, counsel successfully applied for an expedited leave application to be heard tomorrow, seeking to quash a ruling that the case contains "sensitivities" warranting closed doors. O'Reilly claims he suffered workplace detriment and pay reductions after making protected disclosures regarding unsafe leather pistol holsters. He alleges these defective holsters endangered armed gardaí and the public, potentially contributing to an accidental self-wounding incident in 2020. O'Reilly stated that a pistol could be removed even when the retention strap was closed. He referenced the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan by Stephen Silver in Castlerea, noting that Silver allegedly told gardaí in custody he had pulled Horkan's pistol from the holster. Silver was sentenced in April 2023 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for murdering a garda acting in the course of his duties. O'Reilly, who has a 30-year career, claims he suffered work-related stress certified by his GP in April 2023. The High Court will hear the application for judicial review over the proposed press coverage ban tomorrow.
The High Court has quashed an extradition order for Kathleen Sharina McCarthy, a woman with links to Rathkeale, Co Limerick, who was convicted in absentia of a money laundering offence involving £220,000. Ms Justice Niamh Hyland overturned the December 2024 surrender order, ruling that McCarthy should not be extradited to the UK because she was unaware her trial could proceed in her absence. The appeal challenged the Minister for Justice's decision under the UK's Trade and Co-operation Agreement, stemming from a November 2017 conviction at Lewes Crown Court. Although McCarthy was charged in October 2016 and required to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court, she failed to attend a January 2017 pre-trial hearing, leading to an 'in absentia' trial. The court found no direct evidence that McCarthy was expressly informed of the consequences of non-attendance or that she could be tried in absentia. Consequently, the High Court refused the surrender, concluding that the evidence was insufficient to infer she knew the trial would proceed without her. The matter was adjourned regarding further procedural steps, though the immediate surrender order was quashed.
A 44-year-old Nigerian man, the appellant in this High Court appeal, was rejected in his latest attempt to remain in Ireland after a 16-year process. The court dismissed his challenge to the Minister for Justice's decision to refuse him access to the scheme regularising the status of long-term undocumented people. The appellant argued that his residence card revocation in 2016 rendered him an "undocumented" migrant between January 2018 and January 2022, making him eligible for the scheme. He contended that subsequent temporary permissions were granted solely for appeal purposes and were not independently valid. Ms Justice Nessa Cahill dismissed this claim, ruling that the temporary permissions had expired and were renewed at the Minister's discretion, not by statutory right. She upheld the Minister's finding that the man was lawfully resident during the relevant period. The court noted that his earlier marriage to a Lithuanian woman was found to be a fraudulent "marriage of convenience," leading to the revocation of his residence card. A deportation order issued in February 2020 remains in effect following the dismissal of his appeals. The matter was adjourned for the implementation of the deportation order.
The Court of Appeal has refused bail to four accused individuals linked to an alleged Lithuanian organised crime group, rejecting their appeals against a High Court decision. Jonas Pavillions, Alexandres Kuznecovas, and Stacey Walsh are charged under section 73 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, with committing serious offences for the benefit of a criminal organisation. Ausra Motriuk faces charges of money laundering under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010, and participating in an organised crime group under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. Pavillions is additionally charged with drug possession, supply, and two counts under section 9(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act regarding two billhooks and a machete. Kuznecovas is also charged with drug possession and supply. Counsel argued that the appellants were not flight risks, noting Motriuk's passport is with the Gardaí and Pavillions offered a Carlow address. The State contended that the alleged offences carry penalties of up to 15 years and that the group's access to false documents posed a risk. Delivering the judgment, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated the Court of Appeal found no error in the High Court's refusal of bail. Consequently, the appeal was rejected, and the four accused remain remanded in custody.
Nicolae and Florin Mazarache have been ordered to pay the State's legal costs after losing their appeal over Covid-era fixed penalty notices issued after they travelled to Dublin Airport. The Court of Appeal held that questions about the notices and any prosecution belonged in the District Court; Ms Justice Nuala Butler made the opposed costs order.
Elon Musk's X brought a High Court challenge against Comisiún na Meán over the handling of information from user complaints and possible future systemic investigations. X applied for a stay; the Commission opposed it. Mr Justice Cian Ferriter said he would deliver his decision on the stay application the following week.
Lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions have informed the High Court that there is a reasonable degree of urgency in the case of a convicted child rapist who is alleged to have breached the conditions of his release. The man, who was sentenced to 15 years in 2009 with the final two and a half years suspended, was required to undergo counselling and be supervised by the Probation Service for 10 years after his release. The case was listed for mention before the Central Criminal Court, and the court was informed that the defendant may have breached his release conditions. Prosecuting counsel requested that the case be listed again to clarify jurisdictional matters. The court agreed to list the case for mention on March 10, noting the urgency of the matter. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
TikTok has been granted permission by the High Court to redact sensitive information from confidential documents used in its appeal against a €530 million fine imposed by the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) over Chinese access to user data. The court heard that both parties had agreed on categories of information to be redacted, which included commercially, technically, and financially sensitive details. The appeal involves 6,000 pages of documentation, and the redactions are intended to protect TikTok from competitive and security risks. The DPC has been granted the right to apply to the court if they have future objections to the redactions. The court has maintained a stay on the fine, with the appeal set to proceed on March 3. The DPC's fine was based on the company's failure to prevent Chinese engineers from accessing user data, despite assurances that data from the European Economic Area is not stored in China. TikTok argues that the DPC breached fair procedures in its decision and failed to consider key evidence.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) was granted High Court permission to sell three high-end vehicles, a BMW M2, a BMW M3, and an Audi Q7, seized from former Real IRA member Nathan Kinsella. Barrister Daragh Breen BL, representing the CAB, described the cars as assets of "very high worth" and in depreciation. Mr Justice Liam Kennedy granted the application to appoint a CAB receiver to sell the vehicles, with proceeds to be held pending a substantive hearing. The matter was adjourned to next month. Kinsella, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, was not present. In 2024, Kinsella pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to furnish tax returns for capital acquisitions tax in 2018, 2019, and 2020. He was sentenced to one year in prison. Previously, in 2014, the Special Criminal Court sentenced him to two years for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, for acts committed on September 13, 2012. Kinsella has 17 previous convictions, including road traffic offences and impeding a prosecution.
Detective Garda Joseph Kavanagh used the Pulse system to print documents he believed were being concealed from the High Court in a case involving his partner, Sinead Warren. The case revolves around a search of Warren's home in Dublin 8 in 2016, which she alleges was a ruse to interfere in her personal life and relationship with Kavanagh. Kavanagh told the court he accessed the Pulse system to print draft information sheets related to the search warrant, which he believed were being withheld. The defense argued that the documents were unlawfully acquired and breached data protection laws. The court allowed the documents to be included in the case on grounds of fairness. Warren is seeking damages for alleged breaches of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. The trial continues with further evidence expected next week.
Meta and WhatsApp have been granted permission by the High Court to challenge the €12 million levy imposed on them by Coimisiún na Meán. The companies argue that the commission's calculation of the levy lacks transparency, particularly regarding how the supervisory fee payable to the European Commission under the Digital Services Act was taken into account. Meta and WhatsApp claim they were not provided with any explanation of how the total amount was calculated and were only issued with invoices instead of appropriate notices. The companies are seeking an order to quash the statutory instrument under which the levy was issued and a declaration that the commission acted unlawfully and beyond its power. The applicants argue that the commission has a discretion to impose a levy but must provide transparency on incurred levies. The case was adjourned to April for further proceedings. The companies claim that the levy imposed on them collectively amounts to €12,921,438 and that they had no way to verify the correct formula used in calculating the levy.
A retired detective has expressed shock at discovering a Garda in the bedroom of a woman's apartment during a search warrant execution in a burglary investigation. Sinead Warren, who lived in Dublin 8 in 2016, alleges that gardaí falsely branded her as a 'major criminal' and a 'serious female gouger' in WhatsApp messages. She is seeking damages for breach of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. The High Court is hearing her case against the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, the Minister for Justice, and the Attorney General. Ms Warren and Det Gda Joseph Kavanagh are described as 'law-abiding citizens of impeccable character.' The search was for a pair of yellow shorts linked to the burglary, and the presence of Det Gda Kavanagh in the bedroom was unexpected. Det Gda Mark Kelly, who was present during the search, stated he was shocked and felt obliged to inform his superior. Ms Warren's barrister questioned the inclusion of personal details in the search report, including the names of her deceased brothers.
A man accused of being part of a right-wing group that targeted a mosque in Galway claims he cannot receive a fair trial due to the wording of the Explosives Act. Karolis Peckauskas (38) of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, has been granted leave from the High Court to challenge the fairness of his trial under the Act, which he argues violates his fundamental human rights. He was arrested on November 4 last year at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois, and charged with possessing six litres of hydrogen peroxide and an explosive substance. Peckauskas has not entered a plea and plans to apply for bail for the third time. In November, he was denied bail at Portlaoise District Court and again at the High Court in December. His co-accused, Garrett Pollock (35), was also refused bail. Evidence presented included a video of four masked men planning violent action and a manifesto for a right-wing group. Judge Andrew Cody described the video as resembling a statement released after a terrorist attack.
A woman described as a 'law-abiding citizen of impeccable character' has claimed in the High Court that she was wrongly branded a 'major criminal' and a 'serious female gouger' after her relationship with a garda became known. Sinead Warren alleges that following a search of her home, messages circulated on WhatsApp suggested that her long-term partner, Gda Joseph Kavanagh, had been 'caught in the scratcher' with her. She claims that Gda Kavanagh was removed from a Special Crime Task Force and faced intimidation and harassment from his superiors. Ms Warren is seeking damages for breach of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. She alleges that the search of her home was an interference in her personal life and that senior gardaí deemed the relationship inappropriate and set out to interfere. The State denies these allegations. Ms Warren claims that Gda Kavanagh was 'intimidated' and 'harassed' by superiors and that he was informed he 'needed time away from his position'. The non-jury trial continues at the High Court.
An Army corporal from Athlone, Co Westmeath has initiated High Court proceedings against the Minister for Defence and the Attorney General, alleging he was prevented from promotion to a specialist IT sergeant position despite meeting all required qualifications. Corporal Adam Courtney, who joined the Defence Forces in 2011 and has completed multiple overseas deployments, claims he was the sole qualified candidate for the role under the 2025-2026 Junior Non-Commissioned Officer competition. He had been performing sergeant-level duties at Custume Barracks whilst receiving a substitution allowance and states he completed all mandatory courses before the September 2025 closing date. Corporal Courtney seeks a court order of mandamus requiring his promotion. He contends that military authorities subsequently filled the position with an already-promoted sergeant serving in a supernumerary capacity since 2024, who he asserts lacks the necessary qualifications. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty granted his ex parte application at the High Court this week and adjourned the matter to March.
Steven Penrose, a double killer currently serving a life sentence for two murders, has appealed a High Court decision that Mountjoy Prison acted appropriately in placing him in solitary confinement. Penrose claims that his detention in the Challenging Behaviour Unit is a form of psychological torture and that the prison authorities made false disciplinary reports to justify his placement. He alleges that the governor of Mountjoy Prison made false affidavits and that his detention was a deliberate campaign to break him. Representing himself at the Court of Appeal, Penrose said that the prison service denied him access to structured activities and education and that they viewed his ability to write as a threat. The prosecution, represented by Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, argued that the High Court judge made proper findings of fact and that the prison's actions were justified. The judge noted that Penrose had not provided evidence to support his claims and that the High Court's decision should not be interfered with.
Alan Burke, an electrician who had worked as an asset technician at Dublin Airport since December 2023, lost his job after An Garda Síochána revoked his green security clearance on 13 June 2025. Burke claims the revocation was based on a security intelligence check that returned a 'red' status, and that the decision was made without a fair hearing. He argues that the Garda Commissioner acted irrationally and arbitrarily, denying him an oral hearing and failing to provide information for his appeal. Burke maintains he does not pose a threat to national security, is not a member of any illegal organisation, and has never been tried for an offence linked to such an organisation. He has applied to the High Court for permission to challenge the decision and to obtain a declaration that the Commissioner's actions were contrary to fair procedures and natural justice. The case is adjourned to next month.
A jury has found that Detective Superintendent Rory Sheriff used reasonable force when striking a former Garda, John Bowe, with a baton during an 'extreme' high-speed car chase in rural Wexford in 2014. The civil trial jury agreed that Sheriff's actions were proportionate and justified following what he described as the most 'extreme and dangerous driving' he had ever witnessed. Bowe was arrested after a 20-minute chase that hit speeds in excess of 140kph. Sheriff testified that Bowe turned back with a 'metallic object' in his hand and lunged at him, prompting him to strike Bowe over the head with a baton. Bowe claimed he sustained injuries and was diagnosed with 'functional neurological disorder', but the claim was denied. Sheriff's legal team argued that it was 'miraculous' that no one was killed during the chase. The court awarded costs to Sheriff's legal team for both trials, pending any appeal.
A security company, BGS Security Ltd, accused of the 'systematic exploitation' of vulnerable migrant workers, has been likened to a 'modern slavery' operation by trade union SIPTU. Former employees, including James Ajibola, have brought complaints against the company, which is now in liquidation. The company was found to have systematically failed to pay wages to mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia, while white Irish or European employees in supervisory roles were paid. SIPTU representatives argued that the company's actions constituted racial discrimination. The liquidator, Thomas Musiol, said there were over 50 similar cases and that the company's director had disappeared. The tribunal was told that some workers had no social welfare contributions, creating ambiguity about whether unpaid wages could be paid from the Employers' Insolvency Fund. The case is ongoing, with the adjudication officer to write to the parties with his decision in due course.
A whistleblower claim by Detective Superintendent Brian O'Reilly is being heard in private at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The case, which involves allegations of penalisation under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, was set for a hearing at the WRC. The State applied for the hearing to be held in private, and the media was excluded from the room. Adjudication officer Davnet O'Driscoll confirmed the motion was granted. The case had previously been outlined in a preliminary hearing in November. In addition to the WRC complaint, Supt O'Reilly had sought an injunction in the Circuit Court regarding his sick pay classification. His application for interim relief was denied by Judge John O'Connor in November 2025. Supt O'Reilly alleged he was subjected to oppressive management, had firearms training withheld, and was denied professional development and acting-up allowances. He also claimed he was undermined and ostracised at work. The State's legal team highlighted a duplication of proceedings, while Supt O'Reilly's solicitors are considering challenging the judge's decision. The case was adjourned for new legal papers.
A former Portlaoise prison guard, Sean O'Brien, has failed in his legal challenge to have his case heard by the Defence Forces tribunal. O'Brien claimed he was fired with 'lethal intent' after helping to stop a 1988 escape attempt by a paramilitary prisoner. However, the High Court ruled that O'Brien was not an official employee of the Defence Forces, which was a requirement for the tribunal. The court also found that O'Brien was out of time to bring his challenge. O'Brien argued that the Defence Forces had controlled the prison since 1973 and that he should be included in the tribunal's terms of reference. However, the court rejected this, stating that the tribunal was established to examine issues within the Defence Forces, not those employed by the Prison Service. O'Brien's case was dismissed, and he was not granted permission to make representations to the tribunal.
The High Court has granted permission for a legal challenge regarding the treatment of a Somali refugee who arrived in Ireland alone at age 16. The applicant, now 18, alleges that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, incorrectly assessed her as an adult in 2024, resulting in her placement in adult accommodation rather than receiving requisite State supports for a minor. Barrister Michael Conlon SC, representing the applicant through the Irish Refugee Council, submitted to Mr Justice Micheál P O'Higgins that this error left the plaintiff unable to navigate basic supports. The case is brought against the Child and Family Agency, the Chief International Protection Officer, the Minister for Justice, the International Protection Service Accommodation Services, Ireland, and the Attorney General. The Irish Refugee Council seeks a court order compelling the Child and Family Agency to re-assess the teenager's need for assistance and, if necessary, provide an adult aftercare plan under the Child Care Act 1991. It is claimed that the applicant was entitled to a presumption of childhood upon her arrival in March 2024 and that the failure to follow lawful age-assessment procedures breached the International Protection Act 2015. The applicant successfully claimed international protection in 2024 and holds a Temporary Residence Certificate until 2028. The court's decision permits the applicant to establish whether she is entitled to an aftercare support programme, addressing the alleged lack of access to child education and supports during her time in inappropriate adult accommodation.
A Tipperary hospital has issued an apology to the parents of Freddie, a baby who died during birth in 2021, admitting to 'shortfalls' in its duty of care. The incident occurred at Tipperary University Hospital, where the mother, Sinead O'Donnell, attended for ante-natal care and was transferred to the Labour Ward after experiencing pains. A Caesarian Section was performed, but the baby was born without a heart rate or respiratory ability, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The hospital admitted to failures in responding to a CTG scan and delays in attending to the mother, which may have contributed to the stillbirth. The clinical negligence case was brought by the parents against the HSE, alleging breaches of duty and negligence in care. The hospital's letter of apology, issued by Maria Barry, expressed sincere regret for the shortfalls in care that led to the stillbirth of Freddie. The judge in the case extended his deepest sympathy to the couple, acknowledging the tragic loss of their son.
Children's charity Barnardos has been accused of attempting to use a technical legal argument to shut down a long-running employment rights dispute after the claimant was given an adjournment when her father died. Tara Smith, who was employed by Barnardos for nearly three decades, was let go in January 2021 on the basis of redundancy, which she argues was unfair. The charity's lawyers moved an application to dismiss her complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 without hearing her evidence. Ms Smith's representative objected to the motion, arguing that it was a disgraceful move by the charity and that the case had already been delayed due to previous legal proceedings. The charity's barrister argued that the legislation provided for the dismissal of a complaint if there was a failure to pursue it for 12 calendar months. The case was adjourned for an exchange of written legal submissions on the application.
A once-aspiring model, Ana Coretchi, has been awarded €80K in damages by the High Court after suffering first-degree burns and scarring on her legs following a laser hair-removal treatment in 2020. Ms Coretchi, who was preparing her portfolio for a full-time modelling career, claimed that the procedure left her with lasting burns and scarring. The court heard that she suffered extensive brown discolouration and skin ulceration, which were confirmed by a GP. A dermatologist consultant noted that she had extensive white hypopigmentation on her posterior thighs, which may be permanent. Ms Coretchi experienced a burning sensation for three weeks and had to put her modelling career on hold due to the injuries. The court awarded her €80K in general damages, noting the impact on her self-view and career path. The judge was satisfied of negligence on the part of the clinic and awarded the damages to the plaintiff.
The High Court has formally censured suspended Roscommon solicitor Declan O'Callaghan following an application by the Law Society. The decision stems from an upheld finding of misconduct regarding a 2006 Mayo land deal involving Nirvanna Property Holdings Ltd, a company run by Tom Fleming. While O'Callaghan successfully appealed three other allegations of misconduct, the court upheld one count concerning a conflict of interest. A disciplinary tribunal had previously recommended striking O'Callaghan off the roll of solicitors, a recommendation put on hold pending this appeal. The case involved a land transfer where the vendor claimed they were owed €250,000, a figure O'Callaghan argued referred to the land's valuation rather than a debt. Mr Justice Micheal O'Higgins stated that acting for both the vendor and the purchaser in the same transaction brought the profession into disrepute and represented a serious falling short of professional standards. The judge noted that O'Callaghan should have advised Nirvanna and Fleming to seek independent legal advice. Although O'Callaghan denied impropriety, citing security requirements for a Bank of Ireland loan for a joint venture with the late Fred Preston, the court found his conduct unacceptable. The Law Society nominated a censure and did not seek costs. The court ordered the censure but made no order as to the costs of the appeal.
A teenage boy has been awarded €90,000 by the High Court after sustaining a knee injury during an obstacle course at a sports activity centre, which prevented him from playing sports for 15 months. Dylan Callaghan (15), suing through his father, Wesley Callaghan, brought the case against Alive Outside Activity Centre and Blessington No 1 School over an incident in June 2022. Dylan suffered a five-centimetre wound to his knee on the obstacle course during a school excursion. The plaintiffs claimed the injury was caused by a hidden trap or danger in a pool of water. Dylan received medical treatment at Our Lady's Children Hospital, including surgery and antibiotic treatment. He was discharged in December 2022 with a full range of motion and normal gait, though he was left with a scar and had to curtail his sporting activities for 15 months. At the High Court, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds approved a €90,000 settlement for the Callaghan family. The judge noted that Dylan had since recovered mobility and was playing golf with a nine handicap.
Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator Brian Dalton ruled in favour of therapist Nora Martin, awarding her €105,567.38 for unfair dismissal and employment rights breaches against Genesis Psychotherapy and Family Therapy Service Ltd. The adjudicator found that Martin's selection for redundancy was "not fair" and "tainted by a personal animus," describing the employer's conduct as "egregious." He determined there was "no evidence supporting any criminal wrongdoing" regarding fraud allegations related to a 2013 fundraiser, nor any case of bullying. Martin was awarded €90,000 for losses arising from unfair dismissal, €6,227 for non-payment of statutory notice, and €9,340.38 in unpaid wages. The adjudicator rejected the respondent's argument that the delay prejudiced the company, noting the employer had originally sought the 2017 adjournment pending a High Court defamation action. That defamation case remains live. Richard Trehy, the charity's finance manager, was a named subject in the proceedings; he was deceased by the time the WRC heard the substance of the complaint. The matter was previously adjourned in 2017 at the company's request, but the WRC proceeded to a final decision on the employment claims.
A retired judge is seeking to have a personal injury claim against him struck out, following allegations of sexual assault at a book launch in Kerry. Judge James O'Connor, who retired in 2018, denies all allegations. The woman claims she was sexually assaulted by him at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney in 2017. The High Court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions decided against a criminal prosecution. The judge's solicitor argues the claim is statute-barred and malicious, citing the delay in bringing the case and the lack of notice. The woman's counsel countered that the limitation period for personal injury claims is six years and that the case was brought within that timeframe. The court has reserved judgment on whether to strike out the proceedings.
Raymond Donovan (44), who murdered his ex-girlfriend 21 years ago, had his claim that the Court of Criminal Appeal had substituted his life sentence with a 20-year term dismissed by the High Court. Mr Justice Garrett Simons ruled that Donovan had no basis for his claim and that it caused distress to the victim's family. Donovan, formerly of New Houses, Cooraclare, Co Clare, strangled his former girlfriend, Ann Walsh (23), to death in 2005. He launched a High Court bid for release, claiming the Court of Appeal had substituted his sentence, but no detention warrant proved this. The court found that the Central Criminal Court could not direct any other sentence than the mandatory life imprisonment for murder. Donovan's application was dismissed, and the judge said there was no basis for his claim of legality over his imprisonment. Raymond Donovan was convicted.
Convicted murderer Raymond Donovan has applied to the High Court for his release from prison, claiming that the Court of Appeal replaced his life sentence with a 20-year term. Donovan, who strangled his former girlfriend Ann Walsh to death on the grounds of a church in 2005, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006. He now argues that the Court of Appeal substituted his sentence, and that prison authorities do not have the necessary documents to justify his continued detention. In an ex-parte application, Donovan's legal team successfully sought permission to inquire into his detention, citing Article 40.4.2 of the Constitution. He claims that prison officials have provided him with documents indicating a 20-year sentence, but he has been unable to obtain a copy of the Court of Appeal's warrant. Donovan is seeking a full inquiry into the legality of his detention and potentially bail. The High Court has adjourned the matter for further proceedings. At his trial, Donovan admitted to choking Ms Walsh but claimed he did not intend to kill her.
An Albanian man who claimed to be fleeing a 'blood feud' in Albania was refused refugee status by the Irish State due to inconsistencies in his application. The High Court ruled that the International Protection Appeals Tribunal correctly rejected his claim, citing a lack of credibility in his story. The applicant claimed a family feud had led to threats against him, but inconsistencies in his statements and the long gap between the alleged feud and the threat undermined his claim. The court found that the applicant's story was not plausible and that the tribunal had not erred in refusing an oral hearing. The applicant had also not sought protection in Italy, where he had lived for five months without reporting any threats.
Sean O'Brien, a former Portlaoise prison guard, has challenged a Defence Forces tribunal in the High Court after being denied the opportunity to make representations regarding his dismissal in 1989. O'Brien claims he was fired after being shot at with lethal intent while helping to apprehend a paramilitary prisoner during an escape attempt in 1988. He argues that the tribunal's terms of reference should include him as he worked under the Defence Forces' control at the time. O'Brien's legal team asserts that the tribunal's refusal to hear his case was a further trauma, given the impact of the incident on his mental health. The tribunal's legal representative countered that O'Brien was employed by the Department of Justice and not the Defence Forces, and thus fell outside the tribunal's scope. The judge has reserved her decision on the matter.
Lawyers for Jeremiah O'Brien, a Limerick man wanted in Greece for human trafficking, have raised concerns about Greek prison conditions in the High Court. O'Brien is accused of facilitating the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat in 2017. His legal team argued that Greek prisons are overcrowded, unsafe, and controlled by prisoners, violating human dignity. They cited a 2022 report highlighting poor healthcare, lack of medical confidentiality, and inadequate government funding. The court was asked to delay O'Brien's extradition to allow Greek authorities to address these concerns. The State's legal representative noted the Greek government's response was aspirational but did not contradict the report. The case was adjourned to January 26, with both sides agreeing to request further information from Greek authorities.
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has paused an investigation into its chief executive, Kenny Jacobs, following a High Court challenge to his suspension. Jacobs was suspended on December 23 after allegations of discriminatory behavior, which he described as "baseless." He claims he was "ambushed" and "humiliated" when told to leave work and not communicate with staff. DAA is resisting legal action from Jacobs, who is seeking to overturn his suspension and halt the investigation. The case is set for an urgent hearing, with both sides agreeing to file affidavits. Jacobs claims the stress from the suspension has been "immense" and that he was left "shell-shocked" after the meeting with the board. The High Court will determine the next steps in the legal dispute.
A High Court judge has praised a woman who was sexually abused by her uncle for her victim impact statement, which she said would help other survivors 'find their voices'. Justice Karen O'Connor told the woman that she should be proud of what she had done to help other victims. The woman's uncle, now aged 63, had pleaded not guilty to a number of charges but was convicted by a jury following a trial last year on three charges of indecent assault. The offences occurred between February 1988 and December 1988 in the child's grandmother's home, where the uncle was living. The court heard that the then 25-year-old man would regularly get into bed with the then five-year-old child naked and rub his body against her. Ms Justice O'Connor remanded the man in custody and adjourned sentencing to later this month. She spoke directly to the complainant and thanked her for her 'very eloquent and detailed report'.
A psychologist, Dr Emma McDonnell, is challenging the HSE's attempt to recover a €40,000 overpayment from her salary, arguing that the deductions are unfair and unreasonable. The overpayment occurred due to a payroll error during her parental and maternity leave in 2022 and 2023. Dr McDonnell's legal team claims the HSE's approach to recovering the funds violates the Payment of Wages Act 1991, as it lacks fair procedures. The HSE maintains that the deductions are lawful and appropriate. The adjudicator, Brian Dalton, described the legal argument as "truly novel" and adjourned the case to allow for written submissions. The case has significant implications for similar disputes. Dr McDonnell's legal team is represented by Anne Marie Daly of Dominic Dowling LLP, while the HSE is represented by Ger Connolly of Mason Hayes and Curran LLP.
A long-running dispute between a stepfather and three bereaved siblings over the operation and ownership of a Co Meath nursing home has finally settled "in principle" at the High Court. In October of last year, nursing home co-owner Jim Cahill was judged to have left his bereaved step-children alone in the family home before he "cut them off from all income" and was ordered to pay them €410,000 in damages and legal fees. Their mother, Brigid Seepersad, died in a road traffic incident while on holiday in 2008, days after she and Mr Cahill divorced. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said the now-adult Tara, Karl and Desmond Seepersad had, for some years, been without income due under a 2009-2010 settlement agreement with their estranged stepfather, Jim (John James) Cahill. At the High Court today, in finalising that order, Ms Justice Roberts heard from Thomas P Conlan SC, for Mr Cahill, that the matter had "settled in principle" between the parties.
Meta has been granted permission to challenge a potential fine of up to €430 million from the Data Protection Commission (DPC) over data processing issues. The company argues that the DPC acted outside its powers by expanding the investigation beyond the original complaint to all Facebook users. Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd applied for judicial review, and the court granted a stay on the fine until next year. The case stems from a 2018 complaint about access to personal data stored in a 'Hive' digital warehouse. Meta claims the DPC overstepped by suggesting the complainant's request had a 'general application' for other users. The court will hear the case again in January. Meta seeks a declaration that the DPC acted beyond its powers and a quashing of the draft decision. The judge ruled in favor of Meta, putting a stay on the DPC's findings pending the outcome of the case.
At the High Court, Mr Justice Max Barrett ordered John Magnier, JP Magnier, and Katherine Wachman to pay estimated €4 million in legal costs following their failed 19-day challenge to the sale of a Tipperary estate. The applicants had sought to enforce a purported €15 million 'handshake deal' with Richard Thomson-Moore, while the Barne Estate defendants alleged no such agreement existed and subsequently sold the land to Maurice Regan for €22.25 million. In a costs hearing, the judge awarded exceptional costs at the higher legal practitioner-client level, stating that the plaintiffs had 'lied' in their accounts and changed their story when initial evidence was found to be 'demonstrably untrue.' The judge described this conduct as a 'disrespect' of the court and the defendants. Counsel for the Magnier side, Paul Gallagher SC, rejected allegations of 'lawfare' and described his client as a man of honour, while opposing counsel Martin Hayden SC argued the Magnier side acted on a false premise. The Magnier side has indicated an intention to appeal the judgment delivered last September. The matter was adjourned regarding the appeal process, and the judge noted no criticism of the legal teams on either side.