Courts / Galway / Report

Brothers receive apology over comments after cancellation of Galway marathon

Summary

In 2019, Galway City Council and Councillor Michael J Crowe issued an unreserved apology to athletes Paul and Richard Donovan after the brothers claimed they were defamed following the cancellation of the 2011 Galway City Marathon. The Donovans sued the Council and Crowe for defamation based on statements that they had delayed informing participants about the cancellation and had failed to honour a donation agreement with the Galway City Sports Partnership. Crowe withdrew the donation allegations on 11 August 2011 but did not apologise for the remarks. The High Court heard that the defamation actions had been settled, and a statement was read in court acknowledging that the Donovans had honoured their donation commitment and had communicated the cancellation promptly. The statement also admitted the earlier claims were false and included an unreserved apology. The court struck out the proceedings, and the Donovans expressed satisfaction with the retraction and apology.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brothers receive apology over comments after cancellation of Galway marathon. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• August 2011 Other
• August 11th 2011 Other
• 2019-04-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report