by Anton McCabe

Tory Island house appeal dismissed

The South’s Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by former owner of a remote Donegal island hotel against a High Court judgment that he had illegally demolished a film-maker’s house because it blocked his hotel’s sea view. Eight years ago, the High Court ruled that Patrick Doohan had used an excavator to demolish the hotel. The Court heard evidence from Co Down film-maker Neville Presho that losing his house sent him into a downward spiral of illness, and cost him his marriage and career.

The Court granted an application from Cormac O Dulachain, barrister for Presho, that the appeal be struck out as neither Doohan nor his legal representatives had attended. O Dulachain said that, from the contents of an affidavit Doohan filed “he has no intention of pursuing the appeal.”

Justice Clarke said the Court noted Doohan's non-appearance. “He not having attended to prosecute the Appeal, the appropriate action is to strike out the appeal,” the Justice said.

The Court ordered that Doohan pay the costs.

Doohan is curently working as a bus driver in London.