Latest news with #PhoenixLaw
Irish Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Veteran republican Marian Price issues legal proceedings against Disney over ‘Say Nothing' series
Veteran republican Marian McGlinchey is suing the streaming company Disney+ for defamation over the series Say Nothing. The drama, broadcast last year, depicted Ms McGlinchey, née Price, as being involved in the murder of Belfast mother-of-10 Jean McConville – a claim her solicitors previously said was 'not based on a single iota of evidence'. One of the North's Disappeared, Ms McConville was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1972. Her body was found at Shillington Beach, Co Louth, in 2003. Belfast-based Phoenix Law, which represents Ms McGlinchey, said on Thursday that legal proceedings have been issued against Walt Disney and Minim Productions Limited following the 'egregious and defamatory allegations levelled at our client' in the series. READ MORE 'Both entities have failed to take steps to rectify their actions, causing continuing and untold damage and harm to our client,' Phoenix Law said. Dolours Price and Marian Price in 1972. Photograph: PA Wire 'Our client has therefore been left with no alternative but to issue formal legal proceedings to establish the truth and to protect her reputation.' Papers were filed at the High Court in Dublin on Wednesday. Disney has been contacted for comment. A former member of the Provisional IRA, Ms McGlinchey was jailed for her part in the bombing of the Old Bailey in London in 1973. In 2014, she was given a suspended sentence after she admitted providing a mobile phone used to claim responsibility for the murder of two British soldiers by the dissident republican Real IRA. Ms McGlinchey's solicitor, Victoria Haddock, said her client 'should not be placed in the position of having to take formal legal action to vindicate her reputation'. 'Despite multiple opportunities to address the defamatory content of the Say Nothing series, Disney and Minim Productions have failed to take any step to do so,' she said. 'There is no justification for making abhorrent accusations under the guise of entertainment and we will be seeking to hold all responsible parties to account.' At the launch of the series last year, Disney described Say Nothing as 'a gripping story of murder and memory in Northern Ireland during The Troubles'. A file photograph of Jean McConville (left) with three of her children before she vanished in 1972. Photograph: PA. 'Spanning four decades, the series opens with the shocking disappearance of Jean McConville, a single mother of ten who was abducted from her home in 1972 and never seen alive again,' it said. 'Telling the story of various Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, Say Nothing explores the extremes some people will go to in the name of their beliefs, the way a deeply divided society can suddenly tip over into armed conflict, the long shadow of radical violence for all affected, and the emotional and psychological costs of a code of silence.' Say Nothing is based on the 2018 book of the same name by Patrick Radden Keefe .
The Journal
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Marian Price files legal action to sue Disney+ over Jean McConville murder scene in Say Nothing
REPUBLICAN MARIAN PRICE has taken legal action against Disney+ for defamation after its show Say Nothing depicted her killing Jean McConville. The legal action was filed yesterday. Price is being represented by Phoenix Law, a high profile law firm in Belfast known for representing the families of victims of the Stardust tragedy, and the band Kneecap in various legal battles. The series, which was released in November last year , is based on a book of the same name by Patrick Radden Keefe. It explores the life of IRA member Dolours Price, Marian's sister, and the disappearance of Jean McConville. McConville, a mother of 10, was kidnapped and murdered by the IRA in 1972. She was one of The Disappeared for decades, until her remains were found in 2003. Advertisement Dolours Price died in 2013 and had admitted to being involved in the murder. Marian Price, also known as Marian McGlinchey, has always denied killing McConville. However, in Say Nothing she is depicted as firing the shots that killed McConville. Peter Corrigan, Marian Price's legal representative, previously called the series' depiction of Price's involvement in Jean McConville's murder an 'unfounded' and 'damaging' allegation. Corrigan claimed the shooting scene was created for 'the purposes of theatrical elaboration'. 'Our client has now been forced to initiate legal proceedings to hold Disney to account for their actions,' Corrigan said in December last year, when Price announced her intention to pursue legal action. Nobody has ever been charged with McConville's killing. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The 42
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Rory Gallagher takes High Court case against GAA President and Director-General
FORMER DERRY FOOTBALL manager Rory Gallagher has launched a High Court case against the GAA's President Jarlath Burns and Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan. Solicitors on behalf of Gallagher, from firm Phoenix Law, filed a case on Friday against the senior GAA bosses. The ex-Derry manager is seeking damages from the men. Gallagher was poised to be appointed as the coach of Naas GAA, the four-in-a-row Kildare champions, in January but the club quickly announced that it had reconsidered the position, following reports of the appointment. It was subsequently revealed that Burns had intervened in an email to Naas, while 'an extraordinary volume' of emails were also sent to the club secretary from the membership of the Kildare club. In May 2023, Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in the wake of domestic abuse allegations made by his estranged wife, Nicola Gallagher. The Police Service of Northern Ireland investigated the allegations, and forwarded two files to Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in 2022, but no charges were brought. In a statement in May 2023, the PPS said: 'It was determined that there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in relation to any individual.' A previous statement by Gallagher, issued through his solicitor Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, said: 'At all stages of this process, our client has firmly and steadfastly denied his guilt and refuted all the allegations levelled against him.' Advertisement In a statement in January to the Irish Independent, Gallagher described the GAA President's actions as 'unprecedented' and 'an effort to sabotage my potential appointment'. 'With great power comes great responsibility. Mr Burns' actions are premised on a misguided and self-serving compulsion to share his concern,' Gallagher said. He added: 'By Mr Burns' own admission, his motivation is the 'controversy' surrounding my 'personal life' that 'has created division'. These words should be a matter of concern to not just me and my family, but to every GAA member. 'It seems that social media commentary and controversy now equates to a licence for presidential intervention.' Gallagher threatened to take legal action to 'cure the irreparable damage done to me and my family' if the GAA President did not formally retract his communication with the club. Burns later said he would not retract his communications with the club and defended his email, claiming he would continue to have a hands-on approach to his role. 'I made it clear when I became president that I wouldn't be a hands-off president,' Burns told the Late Late Show in January. 'I did take the opportunity to contact Naas and let them know the reservations that I had.' Burns added that Naas GAA would have always had the final decision to appoint Gallagher to the role or not, and that there would not have been any repercussions had they chosen to not follow his advice. Phoenix Law and the GAA have both been contacted for comment. Written by Muiris O'Cearbhaill and posted on
The Journal
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Journal
Former Derry football boss Rory Gallagher is suing the GAA President and Director
FORMER DERRY FOOTBALL manager Rory Gallagher has launched a High Court case against the GAA's President Jarlath Burns and Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan. Solicitors on behalf of Gallagher, from firm Phoenix Law, filed lodged a case on Friday against the senior GAA bosses. The ex-Derry manager is seeking damages from the men. Gallagher was poised to be appointed as the coach of Naas GAA, the four-in-a-row Kildare champions, in January but the club quickly announced that it had reconsidered the position , following reports of the appointment. It was subsequently revealed that Burns had intervened in an email to Naas, while 'an extraordinary volume' of emails were also sent to the club secretary from the membership of the Kildare club. In May 2023, Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in the wake of domestic abuse allegations made by his estranged wife, Nicola Gallagher. The Police Service of Northern Ireland investigated the allegations, and forwarded two files to Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in 2022, but no charges were brought. In a statement in May 2023, the PPS said: 'It was determined that there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in relation to any individual.' A previous statement by Gallagher, issued through his solicitor Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, said: 'At all stages of this process, our client has firmly and steadfastly denied his guilt and refuted all the allegations levelled against him.' Advertisement In a statement in January to the Irish Independent, Gallagher described the GAA President's actions as 'unprecedented' and 'an effort to sabotage my potential appointment'. 'With great power comes great responsibility. Mr Burns' actions are premised on a misguided and self-serving compulsion to share his concern,' Gallagher said. He added: 'By Mr Burns' own admission, his motivation is the 'controversy' surrounding my 'personal life' that 'has created division'. These words should be a matter of concern to not just me and my family, but to every GAA member. 'It seems that social media commentary and controversy now equates to a licence for presidential intervention.' Gallagher threatened to take legal action to 'cure the irreparable damage done to me and my family' if the GAA President did not formally retract his communication with the club. Burns later said he would not retract his communications with the club and defended his email , claiming he would continue to have a hands-on approach to his role. 'I made it clear when I became president that I wouldn't be a hands-off president,' Burns told the Late Late Show in January. 'I did take the opportunity to contact Naas and let them know the reservations that I had.' Burns added that Naas GAA would have always had the final decision to appoint Gallagher to the role or not, and that there would not have been any repercussions had they chosen to not follow his advice. Phoenix Law and GAA have both been contacted for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Planning permission refused for new filling station on site of Creeslough explosion
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR a new filling station on the site of the explosion in Creeslough, Co Donegal in which ten people were killed has been refused by An Coimisiún Pleanála. Donegal County Council granted permission to Vivo Shell Limited to redevelop a service station and shop at the site in February. The decision was appealed by a number of family members of those killed in the blast in October 2022. Today, An Coimisiún Pleanála – which has replaced An Bord Pleanála – revealed that they are turning down the application. The planning authority said the proposed plan was 'out of character' with its surroundings in the village. The body said: 'Having regard to the existing character and the prevailing pattern of development in Creeslough, it is considered that the proposed development (as amended), by reason of its overall architectural treatment, scale and design, would be out of character with its surroundings, would seriously detract from the architectural character and setting of Creeslough and the streetscape and approach from Letterkenny generally. 'It is considered therefore, that the proposed development would be contrary to Policy ED-P-9, of the County Development Plan, 2024 2023 being of inappropriate layout and building design in the context of the existing landscape. 'To permit the proposed scheme (as amended) at this prominent location could have such a negative effect on the visual amenity and local character of Creeslough as to negatively impact on the wider , long-term regeneration and renewal of the village. 'The proposed development would, therefore, seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.' Advertisement The proposed rebuild had allowed for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of a new structure that includes a shop, post office, deli, off-license, and fuel forecourt. A memorial garden and light-based sculpture with ten metal poles commemorating those who perished in the tragedy was also planned for the site. However, many of the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy said this was an insult to their memory considering they died in the metal and rubble of the blast. The families are still digesting the news which was relayed to them by their legal team and was also delivered by Donegal County Council. In a statement on behalf of the families affected by the tragedy, Phoenix Law said they have welcomed the decision. 'Phoenix Law made detailed submissions to the planning panel on behalf of the families, which were accepted by the panel, granting the appeal,' they said in a statement. 'Proposing development on this site while a criminal investigation is still ongoing was deeply inappropriate. The families believe the ground should be treated with dignity and respect, given the scale of loss and trauma suffered. The initial decision to grant planning permission rubbed salt in the wounds of the families. Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law said: 'Today's decision has restored faith in the rule of law, where victims are treated with dignity and respect. 'We continue to call for a full public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The families remain committed to seeking truth, accountability and justice.' One of the family members who lost a loved one in the tragedy said 'This is terrific news. When we got the news yesterday that there would not be an oral hearing we were so disappointed and feared the worst. 'This is tremendous news. We simply do not want a new service station on the site in which our loved ones died.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
