Two senior executives with Hibernia Foods yesterday separately secured interim injunctions from the High Court restraining the company from taking any further steps to implement a decision to dismiss them.

The first injunction was granted by Mr Justice Kearns to Mr Mark Connaughton SC, for Mr Colm Delves, of Killineer, Drogheda, Co Louth, who has been Group Finance Director of the listed company for some years.

Later yesterday, on the application of Mr Michael Colllins SC, the judge also granted an injunction to the Hibernia chairman and chief executive, Mr Oliver Murphy.

Both interim orders, returnable to next week, restrain Hibernia from taking any further steps to implement its purported decision of October 17th last to dismiss Mr Delves and Mr Murphy.

In an affidavit, Mr Delves said he had joined the company in May 1992 and took up the position as group financial controller. In September 1993, he was promoted to group finance director and chief financial officer and he joined the company's main board of directors.

Day to day financial management of the company's business was principally the responsibility of its UK Finance Team which reported to the UK chief executive up to March 2003 and now reported to the group financial controller.

Earlier this month, Hibernia had issued an announcement to the stock market stating that he and Mr Murphy had been replaced, Mr Delves said.

He had been advised that the attempt to dismiss him from his employment was unlawful and in breach of his contract of employment and the principles of natural justice and fair procedures.

In Mr Murphy's case, Mr Collins said his client had a fixed contract of employment and was seeking reliefs similar to Mr Delves.