Progress made in Goal case

“Significant progress” has been made in discussions between founder and chief executive of Goal John O’Shea and the aid agency, the High Court heard today.

The action was taken by Mr O’Shea on July 10th over what he claims was a concerted effort to remove him from his post.

Mr O’Shea’s barrister Paul McGarry SC told Justice Mary Laffoy today that he would be in a position to say on Monday “whether or not” the matter had been resolved.

If not resolved by Monday he would seek a date for hearing later next week if necessary, he said.

The case was adjourned until Monday. Mr O’Shea was not in court today.

Mr O’Shea obtained a temporary injunction on July 10th which had restrained steps at a board meeting held that day to deal with his position pending the matter coming back before the court.

Mr O’Shea, who set up Goal 35 years ago had feared an effort to suspend him might be made at a meeting of the charity’s board and it was his view there was “concerted action” to remove him, the court was told on July 10th.

Mr O’Shea’s application for an interlocutory injunction on Friday had been adjourned until today. If granted the interlocutory injunction would remain in place until the hearing of his full action against Goal.

Last Friday the court was told that the temporary injunction could be vacated on the basis of a mutually acceptable arrangement agreed between the sides.