A dispute involving a bank- appointed receiver and the operators of fashion outlet McElhinneys of Athboy has been adjourned in the High Court.
The case was mentioned after agents for the receiver allegedly attempted to take possession of the premises, where more than 20 people are employed. Following a stand-off, the store’s general manager, Neal Sweeney, retook control of the premises.
The property has been at the centre of a legal dispute for three years.
Barry Forrest, who was appointed receiver by Bank of Ireland in 2013, had sought possession orders in relation to three premises on Main Street, Athboy, Co Meath, owned by members of the Sweeney family who are directors of McElhinney Fashions Ltd. He was appointed after the properties’ owners failed to repay €2.34 million owed to the bank.
Dr Michael Grimes has claimed his UK-registered company was the sole owner and sole operator of the store since last September. This entity, he claimed, has no connection to the company in liquidation and he has possession of the property. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan adjourned the matter to January 28th.
