Courts / Galway / Report

Talks aimed at resolving High Court lotto dispute fail

Date
2017-02-01

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Ballinasloe

County
Galway

Summary

In a High Court case, David Walsh sued his step‑mother, Mary Walsh, claiming a €560,000 share of a €3.38 million Lotto win. The dispute centred on a ticket that had six signatures, including David's, and the claim that the money was held in trust for him. Mary Walsh denied the claim, asserting she was the sole winner and that David had chosen a house over a cash offer. She said she had been offered a house belonging to her late husband, Peter Walsh, and that she had accepted it. The court heard evidence from former National Lottery manager Eamonn Hughes, who discussed the lack of formal rules for syndicate payouts and the possibility of gift‑tax avoidance. The parties had attempted out‑of‑court talks, but no settlement was reached. The case was set to conclude after the evidence was finished, with both sides preparing legal submissions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Talks aimed at resolving High Court lotto dispute fail. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Saturday, January 22nd 2011 Other
December 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-02-01 Publication

Case subjects

David Walsh

Applicant

Outcome: Under cross examination, Mrs Walsh accepted David Walsh never told her he was accepting an offer of Peter Walsh's former home in lieu of €200,000 from the win.

Mary Walsh

Applicant

Outcome: Under cross examination, Mrs Walsh accepted David Walsh never told her he was accepting an offer of Peter Walsh's former home in lieu of €200,000 from the win.

Peter Walsh

Applicant

Outcome: Peter Walsh's former home in lieu of €200,000 from the win.