Maurice Kiely’s U2 copyright damages claim dismissed

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The High Court dismissed Maurice Kiely’s copyright damages action against U2 Ltd on 19 April 2024. Kiely claimed he had allowed the band to use his song “A Man and A Woman” on an album on certain terms, including that it would not be performed live or registered as their own composition.

Justice Mark Sanfey dismissed the proceedings after Kiely did not appear when the case was listed for mention, and the judge found that his emails showed uncertainty about whether he wished to continue. U2 Ltd had denied his claims and sought to strike out the action.

Kiely had sought €12 million in damages. The judge said U2 Ltd was entitled to an order that Kiely pay its legal costs.