Landowner who collapsed at Four Courts is released from prison after purging contempt

A Roscommon landowner has been released from prison after purging contempt of court at the High Court in Dublin. Eugene Costello from Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe was committed to prison earlier this week for breaching undertakings to remove livestock from approximately ninety acres of farmland in South Roscommon. The lands are subject to a receivership order following Mr Costello's default on loans totalling €1.4 million advanced by Carlisle Mortgages Ltd. Mr Justice Brian McGovern ordered his release after being informed that nearly all cattle had been removed from the property and remaining animals belonging to Mr Costello's elderly father were in the process of being removed. The Judge welcomed Mr Costello's decision to purge his contempt but cautioned that further breaches of court undertakings could result in a longer custodial sentence. The case was adjourned to the following week.