High Court asked to extend farmer's bankruptcy by 10 years

The High Court heard an application on Monday seeking to extend the bankruptcy of a County Monaghan farmer by ten years. John Hoey, from Carrickmacross, was declared bankrupt in February 2016 following a petition by John Kelly Fuels Ltd for €262,000 and was due for discharge this month. The Official Assignee, Chris Lehane, represented by Bernard Dunleavy SC, contends that Mr Hoey has failed to cooperate with the bankruptcy process and seeks an order under the 2015 Bankruptcy (Amendment) Act to extend the bankruptcy by a decade, the maximum extension allowable being fifteen years from adjudication. Appearing in person, Mr Hoey requested an adjournment, stating he had only recently received documentation and was securing legal representation. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to after Easter and made a temporary extension order pending the court's next sitting.