Hotelier Noel O’Callaghan Sues Sons Over Business Dispute

Hotelier Noel O’Callaghan is taking legal action in the Commercial Court against his two sons, who took control of his business in 2016, alleging that they have excluded him and prevented him from regaining control.

Mr. O’Callaghan, aged 74, stepped back from the business he established over 40 years ago. His group's first hotel acquisition was the Mont Clare in Dublin in 1984.

Aside from operating five hotels, the group also owns the 450-acre Mountarmstrong stud farm in Co Tipperary and around 100 rent apartments owned by Só Living.

In his claim, Mr. O’Callaghan states that he handed over day-to-day management to his sons in 2016 to focus on Mountarmstrong and his bloodstock business, with the transfer done before his 66th birthday to preserve capital gains tax relief.

It is alleged that the transfer of his shares in Saira Co Dublin Unlimited Company was agreed upon with a provision for him to retake control in case of a dispute.

Despite a proxy agreement allowing him to act on behalf of his sons at Saira board meetings, issues arose after his third son left in 2023 and a new shareholders’ agreement was made.

Disputes include attempts by his sons to control the bloodstock without his consent, undervaluation of a property sale, and freezing him out by withholding support and payments.

The case has been admitted to the Commercial Court, with mediation attempted previously. The judge emphasized the desirability of mediation in cases involving close family members.

According to the source: The Irish Times.