Courts / Waterford / Report

Pigeon racer granted temporary injunction preventing his suspension

Date
2017-05-09

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dungarvan

Summary

Maurice O'Donnell, a 48‑year pigeon‑racing veteran from Dungarvan, secured a temporary High Court injunction that bars the Irish Homing Union (IHU) Southern Region and its Management Committee from suspending his membership of the Irish Homing Union National Flying Club. O'Donnell claims he was suspended without notice or explanation, and that the suspension breaches IHU rules and harms him personally. The injunction, granted ex‑parte by Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, also prevents the defendants from holding a meeting about the suspension or related matters. O'Donnell has previously served on the club's Management Committee, resigned after disputes over disciplining a member and over the use of fundraiser money, and has been involved in disputes over alleged threats. He was briefly reinstated in March, elected club President, but the suspension was reinstated in April without reasons, affecting his ability to race pigeons. The case is set for a return hearing next week.