Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

the battle for gorse hill

Bank of Ireland accused of a 'crusade' against Brian O'Donnell over Gorse Hill

“I’d love to see the bill for the legal fees.”

The Battle for Gorse Hill on TV3 - Brian O'Donnell Brian O'Donnell TV3 TV3

THE SON OF solicitor Brian O’Donnell has accused Bank of Ireland of going on a “crusade” against his father over the family’s mansion in south Dublin.

Blake O’Donnell, the oldest son of Brian and Mary-Patricia, said massive amounts of money had been “flushed down the toilet” by the bank, in pursuing a reported €70 million in debts.

Banks are there to make money, they’re not there to go off on vendettas against individuals. I can go off on a vendetta against an individual because I’m a person. A company is not meant to go out on crusades. I’d love to see the bill for the legal fees. I’m sure it’s scandalous.

Speaking as part of TV3′s “The Battle for Gorse Hill,” O’Donnell added:

There’s actually no financial benefit to Bank of Ireland having my parents bankrupted here or in England.

Since 2010, the bank has been locked in a battle with the O’Donnells to repossess the luxury house on Vico Road in Killiney, which was at one time worth €30 million, but is now valued at €7 million.

‘Schindler’s List’

The Battle for Gorse Hill on TV3 The house at Gorse Hill on Vico Road in Killiney. TV3 TV3

Brian O’Donnell has lost more than 80 legal cases surrounding his dispute with Bank of Ireland, including an appeal brought before the Supreme Court last month.

The family has had significant public support from the “New Land League,” and its spokesman Jerry Beades.

He explains the group’s rallying behind the O’Donnells, despite their uncommon wealth, quoting another activist as saying:

Are we going to be Schindler’s List, deciding who lives and who dies?

The family’s long, storied, legal struggles have had an impact on them, Blake O’Donnell explains:

It’s taken a lot of mental toll on the family. There’s been a lot of stress. But at the end of the day, no one has died.

“The Battle for Gorse Hill” airs on TV3 tonight at 9pm.

Read: Brian O’Donnell says his legal battle stopped a man about to take his own life>

Read: Brian O’Donnell hands “The Bloody Keys” of Gorse Hill to Bank of Ireland boss>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
40
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.