A company, set up to produce pheasants for top tables, has withdrawn its appeal against a £1,000 District Court fine for having failed to provide annual returns.

Mr Gerry Ryan, counsel for Irish Country Pheasant Ltd, Shannagh House, Coolshannagh, Co Monaghan, told Judge Dominic Lynch in the Circuit Civil Court an unfortunate breach had arisen between the company's directors.

The directors, Mr Noel Ward, Coolshannagh, and his son, Paul, were in disagreement as to the manner in which books and records of the company had been maintained. Mr Ryan said there would ultimately have to be some sort of resolution by way of company law proceedings which would probably be issued shortly.

"The Wards had not been able to put themselves in a position of finalising accounts and I have been instructed to withdraw the appeal," Mr Ryan said.

Ms Emily Egan, counsel for Mr Paul Ward, said the situation between father and son was a "hopeless impasse" and supported Mr Ryan's application. Judge Lynch struck out the appeal, adjourned on a number of occasions in the hope accounts could be completed, and affirmed the District Court fine.