Courts / Carlow / Report

Mother and illegally adopted son resolve High Court action

Date
2018-07-11
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Tullow
County
Carlow

Summary

Tressa Reeves and her son, Andre Donnelly, also known as Patrick Farrell, have resolved their High Court action against St Patrick's Guild (Incorporated) and the State. The case, heard before Mr Justice Denis McDonald, concerned the alleged illegal adoption of Farrell in 1961. Reeves and Farrell claimed that their son was placed with a couple in Co Carlow without legal safeguards, that false birth and baptism certificates were procured, and that the defendants engaged in deceit and conspiracy to prevent their reunion. They alleged the State failed to vindicate their family rights. The defendants denied all claims, with St Patrick's Guild asserting it did not make false misrepresentations and the State arguing it was not liable for the alleged wrongs. On the fourth day of the hearing, counsel for the applicants, Eanna Mulloy SC, informed the court that the parties had reached a comprehensive agreement. Mr Justice McDonald agreed to strike out the proceedings, granting liberty to apply to have the action re-entered. The terms of the settlement are confidential. The matter was adjourned in the sense that the proceedings were struck out with liberty to apply, rather than concluded with a final judgment on the merits.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mother and illegally adopted son resolve High Court action. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Andre Donnelly

Applicant

Tressa Reeves

Applicant

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

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