Owners told to leave squatted Longford pub

Possession of a public house re-occupied by its former owners must be handed back to bank appointed receivers, the President High Court has ruled.

Today, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said Mary and Joseph Fallon must comply with orders to vacate and hand over possession of Fallons, Public House in Newtowncashel, Co Longford to the joint receivers of the property Mr Kieran Wallace and Mr Andrew O'Leary of KPMG.

The pub had been closed since April after the Fallons left after the premises. However, earlier this week the receivers launched High Court action after the Fallons allegedly re-entered and took possession of the property on August 1st last. The receivers had alleged the pub had recommenced trading.

They sought orders restraining the Fallons, and their servants and agents, from interfering with the receivership. They also sought orders granting the receivers vacant possession of the property.

The Fallons were not present in court today. Their son Ryan Fallon rejected claims illegal trading had recommenced at the premises.

In his ruling, the judge said while he had every sympathy with the Fallons and the situation they have found themselves in, the court had to grant the orders sought by the receivers.

There were other courses and options open to the Fallons if they were unhappy with the receivership or the manner in which the receivers have acted, the Judge added.

Lyndon MacCann SC for the joint receivers said they were appointed in October 2011 over the property which comprises of a pub and four townhouses, by ACC bank. No challenge had every been brought against the recievership, not was the amount due by the Fallons challenged, counsel said.

They were appointed after the Fallons failed to repay loans advanced to them in 2006 and 2007. While some payments have been made, counsel said approximately €1.1m remains outstanding.