Courts / Galway / Report

'Most difficult and complicated' dispute over farmer's will worth millions is settled

Date
2023-05-23
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Galway
County
Galway

Summary

A High Court dispute over the estate of the late Galway farmer Margaret Hernon, valued between €2.5m and €9m, was settled. The parties agreed that half of the estate will go to Peter O'Toole, the main beneficiary of a 2006 will, and the other half will be divided among more than 40 children of Mrs Hernon's first cousins. Mr Agustus 'Gus' Kelehan, one of those cousins, had challenged the 2006 will's validity and sought it set aside. The estate includes a farmhouse at Barnacranny, 13 acres of farmland, lands in Athenry, and cash. The settlement also confirmed that the 2006 will will not be formally proven, that the estate will be administered by the parties' solicitors, and that legal costs will be borne by the estate. The judge praised the parties for resolving the dispute without a court decision on the will's validity.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Most difficult and complicated' dispute over farmer's will worth millions is settled. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Secondary Mention
Residence

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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