A High Court judge has ruled that a IR£500 (€634.87) bequest by a deceased county council roadworks supervisor to his fellow workers is void because it was not clear from his will to whom he intended to give the money.
The decision means the intended beneficiaries will also not get a share of a residual sum of €250,000 bequeathed by Edward Rafter, which he wanted to be divided between them and 10 other beneficiaries of his will.
There was a lack of clarity as to whether the late Mr Rafter meant the money should go to seven people with whom he worked regularly in Mayo County Council, or to a wider group of staff based in Ballina, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy said.
Mr Rafter, who was not married and had no children, died in June 2006 aged 82. He had worked as a “ganger” on the council’s outdoor staff in Ballina from 1945 until 1990. His will was made in August 1983.
