Latest news with #FourCourts
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Businessman hoped to give rival Barne bidder 'a heart attack' with article, court hears
Construction magnate Maurice Regan, who is involved in the bitter dispute over the failed sale of Barne Estate in Co Tipperary, wrote in a text to a third party that he hoped a newspaper article would give rival bidder and bloodstock billionaire John Magnier a "heart attack". US-based Mr Regan appeared in the Four Courts on Wednesday morning before Mr Justice Max Barrett, giving evidence of his involvement in bids for the estate, when it was put to him by Paul Gallagher, the counsel for the Magnier side, that he sent the WhatsApp message. Mr Regan replied: "All is fair in love and war." Mr Magnier wants the court to enforce a €15m "handshake deal" he claims he sealed at his home on August 22, 2023, with Richard Thomson-Moore — an heir to the 751-acre 17th century estate. The Magnier side has sued the Barne Estate, Mr Thomson-Moore, and three companies of IQEQ (Jersey) Ltd group — the estate trustees — seeking to enforce the purported deal, which they say had been "unequivocally" agreed. The Barne defendants say there was never any such agreement, as they needed the consent of the trustees to finalise any deal. They subsequently preferred to sell the estate to Mr Regan for €22.25m. Mr Thomson-Moore has told the court that while a "price" was agreed with Mr Magnier for Barne, a "deal" was not. 'Provocative' offer The trustees who hold the estate initially decided to remain loyal to the Magnier offer, and felt Mr Regan's higher offer could be seen as "provocative". After the exclusivity period had ended, the trustees decided to go with Mr Regan's offer. At the High Court, Mr Regan, who is not a party to proceedings, was questioned about the message sent in October 2023 to another man with some knowledge of the deal's progression. Mr Gallagher said that Mr Regan sent a link to the man of a newspaper article referencing Mr Magnier and Mr Regan, and followed this up by saying: "Hopefully, it will give him a heart attack." Mr Gallagher said the message referred to Mr Magnier, to which Mr Regan said: "Yes, we were at war, according to him [Mr Magnier] and ... all is fair in love and war". The row between the two businessmen has been described as a "war" by witnesses in the case. Mr Regan told Martin Hayden, the counsel for Barne Estate and Mr Thomson-Moore, that he rejected being described as a "dark force" in the deal by Mr Gallagher at a previous hearing when claiming Mr Regan was funding the defendants in the litigation. After agreeing on €15m, Barne and the Magniers entered into an exclusivity agreement stipulating that Barne would not permit itself or its representatives to solicit or encourage any expression of interest, inquiry or offer on the property from anyone other than Mr Magnier between August 31 to September 30, 2023. A 'dark force' Mr Regan said a description of him as a "dark force" trying to breach the exclusivity agreement was a "cheap shot", and that he had been a victim of "derogatory remarks" that were going to be in the press "forever". Mr Regan described Mr Gallagher's remarks as "very hurtful" to him, adding that he did not know why they were made. He said he "just wanted to buy a farm ... and here I am today". He said he never knew anything about the exclusivity agreement when bidding on the farm, stating that nobody told him it was in place. He denied funding the Thomson-Moores defence, and said that he had given Barne Estate Ltd a commercial loan from one of his companies against the farm last April. Mr Regan said he was "blocked" out of bidding for the farm and that "multiple offers were ignored for a long time", making him think that "something is going on". Mr Regan told Mr Hayden he admired the Thomson-Moores as a nice family and would not have "misled" them in the selling process, as claimed by Mr Magnier in his evidence. Mr Regan told Mr Gallagher that the signed exclusivity imposed obligations on the vendors of Barne, but not on him, and that he did not attempt to induce any breach of the agreement. At one stage during the evidence, Mr Regan had to clarify to Mr Gallagher that he was using "light humour" when he said that the silence from Barne on his offers made him wonder if Richard Thomson-Moore had actually been "kidnapped". Mr Regan said approaches to the joint estate agents handling the deal was an attempt to make himself "relevant" regarding the sale and to get "back in the game". Mr Gallagher put it to Mr Regan that his contact with certain individuals with knowledge of the deal was "highly improper". "Me being blocked out at a higher price than a lower price is improper," said Mr Regan. Mr Regan said legal letters sent to the joint estate agents handling the sale were not meant to "frighten" or "threaten", but his concern was that his bids were not getting to the trustees of the estate. Mr Hayden asked if any of the defendants or anyone from the Magnier side had at any point written to Mr Regan to say he should desist in his bidding and was told "no".
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Legal bid to compel Government to suspend military-related trade with Israel filed in High Court
A legal bid to compel the Irish Government to suspend military-related trade with Israel and stop flights transporting weapons to the Israeli army through Irish airspace has been filed with the High Court . Supporters of the action waved Palestinian flags and shouted 'No jets for genocide' outside the Four Courts in Dublin as the judicial review proceedings were filed on Tuesday. The action is by: Cork-based community campaign group Uplift; three journalists with news outlet The Ditch –Roman Shortall, Eoghan McNeill and Paul Doyle;and Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati, an Irish-born surgeon who worked in Gaza hospitals. As an Irish-Palestinian surgeon, Dr El Mokhallalati said he is 'outraged that Ireland allows arms trade with Israel and allows military jets pass through Irish airspace, jets that bombed my own family in Gaza, where my Irish children were pulled from under the rubble'. READ MORE 'I was arrested and interrogated while treating patients in Gaza,' he said. 'I believe it is both a moral and legal imperative for the Irish Government to uphold international law and end complicity with genocide.' Represented by Phoenix Law, the applicants claim the Government is in breach of national and EU laws by allegedly facilitating military and dual-use trade with Israel. They claim the Government is allowing flights carrying explosives, guns and ammunition to Israel to pass through Irish airspace. They also claim Government is unlawfully continuing to grant permits for military-related goods, including components for F-35 jets, to be exported to Israel. The proceedings are against the Ministers for Transport and for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Government of Ireland, Ireland and the Attorney General. Before judicial review proceedings can be taken, the High Court has to grant leave which involves deciding whether or not the applicants have an arguable case. Speaking outside the Four Courts, Mr Shortall and Brian Cuthbert of Uplift said they hope the court will treat the case as urgent and hear the leave application sometime later this week, before the law term ends on Thursday. Irish-Palestinian surgeon Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati The Government has called what is happening in Gaza a genocide 'but at the same time continue to allow weapons to be sent to Israel', Mr Cuthbert said. 'People across Ireland refuse to stand by any longer and allow this travesty to continue and we have been left with no choice but to use the courts to force the Irish Government to stop sending weapons to the Israel Defense Forces.' In a statement grounding the action, the applicants referred to research and reports published by The Ditch. It is claimed the material showed flights were and are transporting munitions and other weapons of war to Israel through Irish airspace. Other claims include that goods from Ireland are being exported to Israel for use by two Israeli arms companies for manufacture of weapons and military equipment. The applicants say the Government's position in relation to the use of Irish airspace is 'unclear and contradictory'. They say the Government maintains Irish airspace has not been used to transport weapons of war while also saying they do not know how Irish airspace is being utilised. It is argued the applicants have 'clear evidence' thatIrish airspace has been used to carry munitions and weapons of war being used against the people of Palestine. In an affidavit, Dr El Mokhallalati, who worked in hospitals in Gaza in 2023 and 2024, including as head of the burns unit in Al Shifa hospital, said he has lost dozens of family members who were killed in Israeli military strikes. [ TD Gary Gannon files legal proceedings against Central Bank over Israeli bonds Opens in new window ] 'I am haunted by the number of people injured and killed, the children that I treated and the huge numbers of children who died or had their limbs amputated, he said. 'I continue to lose those I love every day, including medical staff and relatives, and I live in fear at what may happen to those who have not perished, with the ever-high risk that my uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents may be lost in this genocide.' From media coverage and articles, he believes Ireland has been facilitating the transfer of weapons and munitions of war to be used against the people in Gaza, he said. While appreciative of the solidarity which the people of Ireland, and the Government, have shown to Gaza, he was 'disappointed to see that the Irish Government continues to ignore the abuse of its airspace in this manner' and, in this way, is 'facilitating the most egregious crimes against humanity'.
Irish Examiner
24-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
International Security Guard Day: Meet some of those on duty in Cork and Dublin
When she started out in security, Valentina Dimkovska could hardly have imagined she'd one day be standing at the doors of one of Dublin's most famous nightclubs. Originally from North Macedonia, Valentina arrived in Ireland after several years as a logistics specialist with the US Army. 'I started in 1999 and it was just something to pay the bills,' says the 51-year-old. Valentina Dimkovska, Door Supervisor, Dicey's Garden 'It was exciting and it looked like a challenge. During my time with the US Army, I spent four years in Kabul. From the very first day until now I have never thought of changing. I'm happy in security.' Kabul is a far cry from Dicey's Garden where she now works as door supervisor. But according to Valentina, it is not without its challenges: 'Every night is different. It's never boring. We meet a lot of nice people every night. We try our best to let everybody inside and have fun. Still, sometimes we have a reason to refuse people and it's usually too much alcohol or drugs. If there's aggression there's zero tolerance on that.' 'We get quite an international crowd; lots of people from Spain, France and Brazil. We don't get a lot of trouble from them, and don't get me wrong here, but most of the problems come from locals. You get people telling you to go back to your country, that sort of thing. The only way you stop it is through talking. For it to escalate, the situation needs to get very bad, if somebody attacks you or pushes you. Thankfully that's quite rare.' When she joined the team at Dicey's Garden more than 10 years ago, Valentina was its first female member. More women have since joined her and the team now boasts three female bouncers out of a total of 40. In her 26 years in the industry, she has noticed a change and she says that women are 'slowly becoming more interested' in working in security. 'The hours really suit me,' she says. 'I can work at night, make some money and during the day look after my family. I'm not going to recommend what I do to every woman. But I have worked in corporate security and you can see more women in that sector. That is very different work.' Corporate security After six years working between the Four Courts and Central Criminal Court, Kasia Aziewicz made the switch to corporate security in 2015. Having started as a security officer, she progressed rapidly to her current role as a site security manager for a major international company. Kasia Aziewicz, Women in Security Liaison ASIS Ireland Chapter 'This side of the industry is about security but also customer service,' says the Polish native. 'And since I started in it we have definitely seen more women come in. It's more open and it's great to see.' Besides looking after the security of thousands of people in her day job, Kasia is the Women in Security Liaison for the Irish chapter of ASIS International, a global security network and community of 36,000 members that connects people in the industry. 'My role with ASIS is to showcase stories of women in security through our Women in Security Podcast as well as through meetups and networking events,' she explains. 'There are more women in security but they are still a little hidden so it's important that they are seen, that they see each other and speak to each other because people don't realise what goes on behind the scenes. It's a way of maybe attracting more women into the industry and showing them there are different roles. There are more opportunities there now for women. I think that's down to the fact that there are more roles and different options now around the likes of events, training and analysis which uses a lot of tech.' Behind the scenes security Ciara Doyle is one of those women in security who works behind the scenes. In her role as a Specialised Intelligence Analyst for a large international company, she is responsible for the safety of thousands of employees across the globe. Ciara Doyle, Specialised Intelligence Analyst, Provincial Though she is based in Dublin, it is her job to monitor events in every corner of the world where her client's employees might be. She needs to be aware of all sorts of safety risks from political upheaval and military coups to acts of God and local protests. 'Something might happen in a city where we have an office or they might be attending a conference or simply a meeting and we know we have certain numbers of people there who need to be kept up to date on developments,' says the 27-year-old. 'That information can be time-sensitive. So you have to be a clear thinker and be able to respond under pressure. You're pulling multiple sources of data and trying to collate that to give them an accurate reflection of what's happened and how it can impact the business and its people.' Having studied History and Politics at Maynooth University, Ciara went on to do a Master's Degree in International Law before joining a public relations and media analytics firm where she started her training as an analyst. After a year, an opportunity with her current employer, Provincial, came to her attention. 'The role was similar but what intrigued me was it seemed to be more aligned to what I was interested in,' says the Dubliner. 'I love it and I have such great support from my management. 'They're very progressive. Even in the three years that I've been with them, they've brought in more benefits and support, particularly around maternity which is great to see. So I feel now that I can have a family and still have a career in security. Ten or 20 years ago that would have been unheard of.' Event security 'In our world, you deal with all sorts of different people and behaviours,' says Jess O'Sullivan, managing director of AOS Security. Jess O'Sullivan of AOS Security. Picture: Larry Cummins 'Women bring a different dynamic to a team. When we come across a conflict situation, if a female is involved or is present she will rarely get lashed out at and the situation tends to get diffused more quickly. So they often take a different approach and of course, as I always say, they can multitask.' Jess and her late husband, Alan, started AOS Security more than 28 years ago providing security for pubs and clubs around Cork. Since then, the company has grown significantly and today looks after some of the city's most famous landmarks including Páirc Uí Chaoimh. When it comes to women in security, Jess believes it depends on the sector. 'In the guarding side of it, in pubs and nightclubs, you wouldn't have as many women as men still,' she says. 'But on the events side of it, there are more and there are some very talented women out there working in events. I think there are lots of opportunities for women and they can progress within the industry. I always encourage them. Even this year, when we were doing our recruitment drive, the applications that came in were 60% from men and 40% from women. So there's more interest there and it's great to see.'
Sunday World
21-07-2025
- Sunday World
Former GAA player finally pays compo for assault on reporter in Four Courts
Eddie Óg O'Reilly was convicted in 2023 after attack on journalist Ray Managh, who asked that the money be given to charity A former Cavan GAA footballer who assaulted a court reporter after demanding that he not report on his debt case has finally paid the compensation ordered by a judge over two years ago. Eddie Óg O'Reilly was convicted in 2023 of assaulting journalist Ray Managh, now aged 82, in the Four Courts in 2018. The case was delayed on a number of occasions for administrative reasons and after O'Reilly's legal team said their client could not deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the case. O'Reilly, who has US citizenship, went to work in America after the attack, but was arrested by Garda Mick McGrath, of the Bridewell garda station, in Dublin Airport in 2019 when he was returning to Ireland. O'Reilly, from Kilcogy, Co Cavan, pleaded not guilty to the attack. After he was found guilty, Judge John Hughes characterised O'Reilly's evidence that he was terrified for his life due to Mr Managh and news photographers chasing him through the streets of Dublin as 'delusional'. 'The reporting of civil and criminal cases goes back hundreds of years — it is a valuable function in society and needs to be protected,' Judge Hughes said. Court reporter Ray Managh was assaulted by Eddie Óg O'Reilly in 2018. Photo: Collins Courts O'Reilly was given a nine-month suspended sentence for the offence. He was ordered to pay a fine of €2,000 and attend an anger management course. The judge also ordered him to pay Mr Managh €3,000 in compensation, which the reporter requested be paid directly to the cancer research unit at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin. The assault took place after O'Reilly was in court trying to prevent the repossession of a €500,000 investment apartment that he and his brother Michael had got into arrears on. After that hearing, O'Reilly followed Mr Managh out of the court and badgered him not to report on the case. When told 'no', he shouldered the journalist, then 75, into a lift and violently pinned him against a wall until he could get his notebook. The notebook was taken and never returned. Mr Managh was able to write the story despite the assault. O'Reilly refused to apologise and took an appeal that was dropped on the eve of the appeal hearing last January. Mr Managh said he had recently been told by gardaí that the children's hospital had received the €3,000 compensation he was due from the case. 'I was beginning to worry that it would never be paid, so it's a relief that it's finally over,' Mr Managh said. It is understood the compensation money was paid earlier this year after O'Reilly withdrew his appeal. Eddie Óg O'Reilly. Photo: Collins Courts Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st
Sunday World
20-07-2025
- Sunday World
Former GAA player finally pays compensation for assault on reporter in Four Courts
Ex-Cavan footballer Eddie Óg O'Reilly was convicted in 2023 after attack on journalist Ray Managh, who asked that the money be given to charity A former Cavan GAA footballer who assaulted a court reporter after demanding that he not report on his debt case has finally paid the compensation ordered by a judge over two years ago. Eddie Óg O'Reilly was convicted in 2023 of assaulting journalist Ray Managh, now aged 82, in the Four Courts in 2018. The case was delayed on a number of occasions for administrative reasons and after O'Reilly's legal team said their client could not deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the case. O'Reilly, who has US citizenship, went to work in America after the attack, but was arrested by Garda Mick McGrath, of the Bridewell garda station, in Dublin Airport in 2019 when he was returning to Ireland. O'Reilly, from Kilcogy, Co Cavan, pleaded not guilty to the attack. After he was found guilty, Judge John Hughes characterised O'Reilly's evidence that he was terrified for his life due to Mr Managh and news photographers chasing him through the streets of Dublin as 'delusional'. 'The reporting of civil and criminal cases goes back hundreds of years — it is a valuable function in society and needs to be protected,' Judge Hughes said. Court reporter Ray Managh was assaulted by Eddie Óg O'Reilly in 2018. Photo: Collins Courts O'Reilly was given a nine-month suspended sentence for the offence. He was ordered to pay a fine of €2,000 and attend an anger management course. The judge also ordered him to pay Mr Managh €3,000 in compensation, which the reporter requested be paid directly to the cancer research unit at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin. The assault took place after O'Reilly was in court trying to prevent the repossession of a €500,000 investment apartment that he and his brother Michael had got into arrears on. After that hearing, O'Reilly followed Mr Managh out of the court and badgered him not to report on the case. When told 'no', he shouldered the journalist, then 75, into a lift and violently pinned him against a wall until he could get his notebook. The notebook was taken and never returned. Mr Managh was able to write the story despite the assault. O'Reilly refused to apologise and took an appeal that was dropped on the eve of the appeal hearing last January. Mr Managh said he had recently been told by gardaí that the children's hospital had received the €3,000 compensation he was due from the case. 'I was beginning to worry that it would never be paid, so it's a relief that it's finally over,' Mr Managh said. It is understood the compensation money was paid earlier this year after O'Reilly withdrew his appeal. Eddie Óg O'Reilly. Photo: Collins Courts Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st
