Noel O'Callaghan Accuses Sons of Freezing Him Out of Business

Hotelier Noel O'Callaghan has claimed in Commercial Court proceedings that his two sons, who took over his business in 2016, have excluded him and prevented him from retaking control. Mr O'Callaghan, 74, stepped back from the business he founded over 40 years ago. The first hotel his group acquired was the Mont Clare in Dublin in 1984.

In addition to five hotels, the business owns the Mountarmstrong stud farm in Co Tipperary and around 100 rent apartments owned by Só Living. Mr O'Callaghan focused on Mountarmstrong and his bloodstock business after stepping down in 2016, leaving the day-to-day running to his sons.

As part of the transfer in 2016, his sons appointed him as their proxy to act on their behalf at Saira board meetings. A 2016 agreement ensured Mr O'Callaghan an annual salary and control of Mountarmstrong. However, disputes arose after one son left in 2023.

Allegations include attempts by his sons to control the bloodstock without his consent and undervaluation of a commercial property. The relationship deteriorated further in 2024 with personal property purchases and dividend payments to the sons.

When Noel challenged these decisions, his sons began to exclude him by canceling payments and support. Legal proceedings are ongoing against his sons, Saira, and Sherborough.

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

According to the source: BreakingNews.ie.