Podcasts

The O’Callaghans: A Family at War

The O’Callaghan name is one of the most prominent in Irish hospitality, synonymous with landmark hotels across Dublin and beyond. But behind the doors of The Alex, The Davenport, The Green, The Mont and the Eliott in Gibraltar, a bitter family dispute is now playing out.  Noel O’Callaghan, the businessman who began building the O’Callaghan Collection in the 1980s, claims he has been frozen out by his two sons, Paul and Charles. In court filings he alleges his salary was cut off, his credit card cancelled and his access to key assets blocked. At the centre of the row are luxury hotels, multimillion-euro property deals, a bloodstock stud farm and even a Dublin penthouse apartment.  Paul and Charles O’Callaghan, however, say their father divested most of his interests years ago and now holds only voting rights. They dispute the validity of documents he relies upon and reject his claims over assets ranging from the €28 million Archer’s Garage development to Mountarmstrong Stud in Tipperary. The case has already seen allegations of political interference, frustrated asylum centre plans, and contested shareholder agreements.  It is an extraordinary dispute in part because of the family’s traditionally low profile. For decades, the O’Callaghans built and ran a discreet business empire with little public exposure. Now, their most private disagreements are before the Commercial Court, with Noel O’Callaghan seeking declarations of ownership, damages in excess of €1 million, and the restoration of his rights within the business.  Today on Newstalk Daily, Ciara Doherty is joined by Catherine Sanz, Legal Affairs Editor of the Business Post, to examine the filings in detail. They explore what’s at stake for the O’Callaghan family, how the dispute has unfolded, and why it matters for Irish business and succession law. With echoes of Succession, the hit HBO series about another family at war over a corporate empire, this is a real-world story of legacy, power and control.  The case has been admitted to the Commercial Court list and is due back before the High Court in November, following failed mediation attempts. Until then, the O’Callaghans remain locked in a battle that could reshape their business interests and family ties alike.  Listen to the podcast now to hear Ciara and Catherine break down one of the most dramatic business disputes in recent Irish history.  see more