Golf and concert promoter Oliver Barry has succeeded in blocking execution of a judgment made against him in the Circuit Court Office for almost €28,000 for allegedly unpaid solicitors' professional fees.
Mr Micheal Ó Scanaill, counsel for Barry, told Judge Jacqueline Linnane yesterday that L.K. Shields, solicitors, had sued his client for €27,986 by way of a Civil Bill served in November last year.
He said Mr Barry had instructed Ivor Fitzpatrick & Co to defend his interests in the proceedings and consent to the late filing of an appearance on Barry's behalf had been sought.
L.K. Shields had responded by demanding that Barry set out in writing the basis of his defence as a precondition to agreeing to a late appearance. Mr Ó Scanaill submitted that judgment had been obtained by surprise against Mr Barry, who believed he had a good and bona fide defence to the claim by L.K. Shields.
Mr Barry would contest the sum claimed on the grounds it was excessive, unjust and inappropriate having regard to the nature of the advice received and the services rendered.
Judge Linnane, who heard that Barry had already made a payment to L.K.Shields in part discharge of money due, granted a stay of execution of judgment until April 12 and granted Mr Barry liberty to serve a motion on L.K. Shields seeking to set aside the judgment.
L.K. Shields & Co was Mr Barry's solicitors during his tribunal appearances relating to Century Radio.
