Late Late Showhost Pat Kenny effectively stole his neighbour's land after years of failed attempts to buy it, Dublin's High Court was told today.
The broadcaster, who is embroiled in a bitter row with former friend Gerard Charlton over the rocky outcrop beside their homes, has claimed squatter’s rights on the patch of ground.
Pat Kenny with his wife Cathy leaving court today
Mr Kenny’s constant requests over the last 20 years to buy Gorse Hill, described in court as an urban wilderness, became the butt of jokes in the Charlton house, the hearing was told.
Ultimately it led to Mr Kenny’s solicitor writing to Mr Charlton claiming he had taken possession of the quarter acre scrubland, valued at up to €2 million.
Mr Charlton’s lawyer, Eoghan Fitzsimons SC, told the court Mr Kenny’s claim came as a very serious shock after the pair had built up a close relationship.
“The notion the person in such a relationship would be willing at the same time to effectively steal the other person’s property in our submission runs opposite to all the basic rules of normal human behaviour,” he said.
The lawyer said Mr Kenny and his wife Cathy, who were in court for the opening hearing, enjoyed Christmas drinks with the Charltons in their first year in Dalkey, they sent cards with seasons greetings and signed: “With love, Pat and Cathy”.
As their friendship grew Mr Kenny would call into the Charltons unannounced. “From the outset Kenny was a regular visitor,” Mr Fitzsimons said. “It reached the stage that he would just drop in. He wouldn’t even knock at the door, he would just walk in - that’s how close the relationship was.”
The court heard Mr Charlton was invited to Kenny’s 50th birthday party, that they shared long conversations and that they would meet at social events in the area.
Mr Fitzsimons described a firm friendship with the two men who enjoyed each other’s company. Mr Charlton had welcomed the Kennys to Dalkey with open arms, the court heard.
Ms Justice Maureen Clark was told the land row had left Mr Charlton, a semi-retired solicitor, disillusioned and had caused his wife Maeve to suffer ill health.
The judge is expected to hear evidence from two photographers and two valuers in relation to Gorse Hill before being invited to visit the disputed site.
The hearing is expected to last four weeks.
PA