Coursing club ex-boss released by gardaí

THE former chief executive of the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) has been released without charge, following his arrest on Thursday, and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

Jerry Desmond was arrested in Clonmel at 9am on Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged false accounting.

He was detained at Clonmel Garda Station for questioning on Thursday, but was later released without charge.

Mr Desmond has been the subject of a Garda investigation since late in 2009. He retired from the club in 2008 following a dispute over the sale, or alleged sale of land, to a developer.

It is understood Mr Desmond, without consulting the club’s executive, decided to “sell” a laneway in Clonmel town owned by the ICC.

The club, however, claimed it had not agreed to sell the disputed roadway, which the developer required for a €31 million retail development, including a Marks and Spencer store.

In June 2008, Greenband Investments brought a legal action against the trustees of the ICC aimed at enforcing the alleged agreement for the sale of the laneway which adjoins its premises in Clonmel.

Greenband Investments claimed that if it cannot show title to the lands at Davis Road, Clonmel, a planned €31m retail development in the area will be in jeopardy.

In January 2009, the court ruled in favour of the developer. However, the ICC is appealing the judgment.

It is understood the ICC is in financial difficulty and if it were to lose it could face bills of up to €6m — €2m in costs, and a possible €4m in damages to developer Greenband Investments.

The situation has caused divisions within the club.

It is understood the ICC sought legal advice from two firms on whether to defend the developer’s action.

The firms held opposing views and the club decided to press ahead with the action.

Last night a spokesman for the ICC said it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.